Petting Zoo Attendant

About the role

Under the direction of the Volunteer Coordinator, performs scientific work in the care of zoo animals and the maintenance of zoo exhibits and facilities. Participates in the aesthetics and maintenance of the various exhibits and guest interactions.

Responsibilities

• Reports any abnormal animal behavior or issues to the animal care supervisor.
• Assists the animal keepers with the cleaning of animal holdings, exhibit maintenance and general zoo grounds upkeep.
• Operates the petting zoo and wallaby walkthrough. Enforces all rules associated with each area and reports any issues to the animal keeper in charge of the run that day.
• Assists with zoo events that may include animal presentations, event setup and teardowns, or other tasks that may be associated with the event.
• Cleans (disinfects as scheduled) and checks integrity of animal exhibits and structures daily to ensure safety and welfare of animals, guests, and staff in accordance with established guidelines.
• Performs minor repairs and preventative maintenance to exhibits, reports maintenance concerns they can not be easily addressed to the manager, makes recommendations to improve the safety, aesthetics, and functionality of facilities; assists in the completion of approved changes.
• Thoroughly cleans feed troughs, bowls, and other containers; unloads and replenishes hay; unloads food shipments.
• Assists in the presentation of educational programs and participates in daily guest interactions. This may include sloth experiences, giraffe feedings, birthday parties or field trips.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Occasionally assistance may be needed outside of the Animal Care Department.

Requirements

• Actively pursuing a degree in a relatable field to animal care or one year’s experience in another zoo, vet clinic or similar profession preferred.
• Must retain a valid Driver’s License and meet the eligibility requirements to drive while conducting company business.
• Current TB test.
• Work outdoors in all types of weather and lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds).

Skills

• Strong work ethic, self-motivated, committed to the vision of the Hattiesburg Zoo.
• Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Friendly with public and courteous to visitors, able to provide keeper chats and public encounters in a friendly manner.
• Basic knowledge of behavioral management and operant conditioning and how they apply in a zoo setting.

Schedule

Maximum 24 hours per week on a schedule requiring a mix of weekdays, weekends, evenings and holidays as required.