Summary:To maintain and care for a variety of animals within the Zoo; to assist veterinary staff as needed; and to perform a variety of activities relative to the assigned area of responsibility. Positions at this level are initially expected to perform under immediate supervision, progressing to general supervision as knowledge operating of procedures is gained. This position is for 400 hours of work generally in the form of 10 weeks, 40-hour weeks.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Feed and water animals in and around existing quarters; clean, sanitize, maintain, and repair animal quarters as required; sweep, dust, and mop floors• Prepare diets for animals; clean and maintain work area and food storage containers • Maintain adequate records on daily activities; observe animal behavior for signs of illness, weight loss/gain or injury; report any signs of illness or injury; assist veterinarians in minor operations or related activity as needed• Assist in the training of assigned animals, guide animals through daily routines according to established training schedules and guidelines• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner• Care for new and quarantined animals when required; obtain and submit fecal samples as needed• Assist in directing the proper restraint, crating, moving, and uncrating of animals
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Demonstrated knowledge of: • Operations, services, and activities of a zoo animal program• Ability to work 5 days a week, including weekends (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)• Methods and techniques of handling a variety of animals• Proper feeding and diet requirements of a variety of animal species• Operational characteristics of animal handling and food preparation equipment• Safe work procedures when around animals• Principles and procedures of record keepingMust possess ability to:• Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals• Clean and maintain assigned animal enclosures as directed by supervisor• Operate a variety of animal equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner• Implement diet instructions specified by nutritionist• Maintain accurate records on animal behavior and prepare reports• Work independently in the absence of immediate supervision• Understand and follow oral and written instructions• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work• Maintain mental capacity which permits making sound decisions and using good judgment, prioritizing work activities, demonstrating intellectual capabilities• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting, walking, or standing for extended periods of time, working closely with others, operating assigned equipment
Preferred Education and/or Experience: • One year of increasingly responsible zoo keeping experience, compensation will be experience dependent• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized collegiate courses/training in zoology or a related field
Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations:• Must posses a valid Class "C" driver license
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb and reach overhead• Frequently required to lift 50-75 lbs., unassisted• Must be able to push and pull exhibit/animal doors with push/pull force of 50-75 lbs.• Must be able to use heavy duty, 100ft. water hose and squeegee to clean…