Summary:
The responsibility of this position is 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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• 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, administer prescribed medications, submit fecal samples and other duties as needed
• Assist in the training of assigned animals; guide animals through daily routines according to established training schedules and guidelines
• Carry out animal diet directives from Nutritional Services Department; clean and maintain food storage containers
• Participate in the zoo-wide behavioral management program by implementing approved animal training and enrichment projects
• Participate in and implement approved research projects
• Feed live prey and or euthanize some prey items as related to the requirements of specific taxa
• Assist in directing the proper restraint, crating, moving and uncrating of animals
Qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have one year of zoo keeping experience
• Scuba certified for Aquarist position
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability
Must 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
• Bachelors degree in wildlife management, zoology, animal behavior, biology, ecology, psychology or related field preferred
Physical Demands:
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.)
• 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
Disclaimer
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.
Benefits
This is a full-time position and offers the following benefits:
• Medical and Prescription Drug (Employee Coverage 90% Employer Paid, Dependent Coverage 55% Employer Paid)
• Vision
• Dental
• Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
• Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Supplemental Life
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401k
• Paid Time Off (Accrual Equivalent to 5 Weeks Per Year)
• PTO Rollover
• PTO Sell Back
• Free Zoo Membership
• Free Guest Passes
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs