Temporary Bird Keeper

This position is for 400 hours of work, generally structured as 10 weeks of 40-hour weeks.

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

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of:
  • Operations, services, and activities of a zoo animal program
  • 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 keeping
• 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
• Must possess a valid Class "C" driver license

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of increasingly responsible zoo keeping experience
• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized collegiate courses/training in zoology or a related field

Physical Demands

• 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 out animal areas
• Must be able to rake and sweep feces; lift with shovel into trash cans; lift (assisted) trash cans onto truck; haul to dumpster; remove trash cans from truck and empty into dumpster
• Must be able to operate assigned equipment
• Must be able to work in all types of inclement weather

Work Environment

• Team-oriented zoo environment
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Exposure to a variety of domestic, wild and/or endangered animals, animal odors and animal body fluids
• Exposure to all types of inclement weather conditions
• 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