Summary: The responsibility of this position is to maintain and care for animals within the Texas Native Wildlife Centers as directed, primarily focusing on the Texas Kangaroo Rat program; to assist veterinary staff as needed; and to perform a variety of activities relative to the assigned area of responsibility. As necessary and time allows similar tasks in other areas of the Ectotherms Department may be assigned. This position is for 400 hours of work generally in the form of 10 weeks, 40-hour weeks.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:• Provide necessary husbandry parameters and appropriate environments for species in assigned section• Keep all animal enclosures clean (i.e., substrate changed on regular basis, free of fecal/urate material, clean water bowl and props, uneaten food removed, etc.)• Ensure all enclosures and locks are checked for security purposes daily and any problems relayed immediately to supervisor• Provide appropriate back-up coverage as relief keeper (use check sheet, record observations, accurate communication, clean and feed, etc.)• Carry out animal diet directives from management. Discuss any diet, supplementation, or feeding change requests with supervisor• Feed animals as directed, remove uneaten food items, feces, and record shed cycles• Monitor health and behavior of animals daily, submit Health Alerts, document observations and communicate findings/status to supervisor• Maintain all animal records. Each animal enclosure must have an updated cage card (if applicable) and records in TRACKS• Report abnormal feeding patterns if animal misses feedings, has trouble eating, etc. and relay to supervisor • Pair animals for breeding and monitor/record reproductive behavior• Check out with supervisor before leaving at the end of the day and relay any pertinent information/updates verbally• Weigh animals on a regular basis (i.e., birth or hatching, opportunistically when being handled, suspected weight loss, prior to shipment, etc.). All animals are to be weighed a minimum of twice per year, or as directed by management, and recorded in TRACKS• Initiate animal training and enrichment directives as assigned and record observations• Assist in research and field activities as directed• Maintain safe and clutter-free work environment• Keep all work areas and building parameter clean and free of debris• Monitor building temperatures and equipment. Report malfunctions to supervisor• Act in a professional and courteous manner with coworkers and zoo visitors. Present keeper talks and tours as scheduled• Be respectful of coworkers, maintain a positive work environment and team atmosphere• Manage time appropriately to complete daily routine and work on extra projects• Food items are to be properly maintained and in adequate supply• Public and keeper work areas are to be kept organized and clean (i.e., floors swept and mopped daily, cobwebs removed, shelves, exhibits, light fixtures dusted, etc.)• Hang supplemental lighting at an appropriate distance from animal (varies for bulb type). Bulbs should be marked with date upon installation. Bulbs should be replaced as needed (indicated by using UVB meter and range chart) and entered into TRACKS. UVB output should be monitored 48 hours after installation and every six months thereafter using the UV meter. All readings should be written on the light fixture. Basking temperatures should be safe for the animal and checked regularly• Store and clean animal equipment properly after use to prevent disease transmission• Maintain biosecurity by following SOPs and maintain footbaths • Fulfill other duties as assigned in Animal Programs Keeper Job Description
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.• Must be 18 years of age or older• Must have one year of zoo keeping experience• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurabilityMust possess ability to:• 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 • Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities
Education and/or Experience:• High School diploma or equivalent• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, zoology, animal behavior, biology, ecology, psychology or related field preferred • Specialized training in zoology or a related field desirable but not required
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
Work Environment:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.• Team oriented environment• Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends)• Exposure to a variety of domestic and wild or potentially dangerous animals; animal odors and animal body fluids• Exposure to all types of inclement weather conditions• Exposure to chemicals (cleaning, water chemicals, additives, etc.)• Ability to work special events and functions as required• This position may be safety sensitive • This position may work around animals susceptible to specific diseases, thus may be subject to regular tuberculosis and rabies titer testing, and the routine use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks
DisclaimerThe above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
