Zoological Gardens - Zookeeper I - TE

About the role

This position provides a variety of duties involved in the care and well-being of multiple animal species at the zoo. The zoo's animal collection includes mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians.

Responsibilities

• Carry out all aspects of the daily care for assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities and maintaining a clean and organized area.
• Observe animal behavior and welfare on both a day to day and long-term basis with the ability to note normal and unusual behavior, as well as perceive changes in an animal’s injury, health or appetite concerns and report to their supervisor.
• Provide species appropriate and approved behavior-based enrichment for all collection animals in accordance with zoo standards and policies.
• Prepare, store and distribute animal diets and foods following feeding guidelines; assist Zoo Veterinarians in evaluating dietary needs and changes of zoo animals according to established USDA and zoo policies.
• Maintain required husbandry records on all daily reports, animal welfare, medical sheets, training, and enrichment logs according to established guidelines.
• Properly administer prescribed medications, supplements or treatments under the Zoo Veterinarian’s guidance.
• Clean and maintain the zoo commissary, food storage areas such as hay barn or supply rooms; assist with unloading supplies from delivery trucks.
• Work in a professional manner with volunteers, including interns, zoo teens, and adult volunteers, and take responsibility for training and guiding them in assigned tasks.
• Familiar with animal handling and restraint as necessary, proper crating and uncrating of animals, and how to use various recapture and restraint equipment.
• Maintain lawn and landscaping within animal exhibits; able to safely operate lawn and maintenance equipment; assist horticulture staff with landscaping outside of animal exhibits.
• Operate City vehicles, including zoo motorized vehicles (golf cart, gator) inside and outside zoo property as needed for the job.
• Provide routine maintenance and assist in the construction of exhibits and facilities; request maintenance assistance in repairing damaged areas or zoo facilities through work orders.
• Speak professionally and respectfully with members of the public to answer any questions about the zoo in general and deliver educational programs through keeper chats on collection animals. Public appearances may be requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the zoo management team on specific departmental needs or zoo wide needs and responsibilities, work collaboratively with other zoo staff and departments.
• Participate in zoo meetings, events and attend staff training sessions.

Requirements

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

• Standing - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Sitting - Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Walking - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Lifting - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Carrying - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Pushing/Pulling - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Overhead Work - Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Fine Dexterity - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Kneeling - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Crouching - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Bending - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Twisting - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Climbing - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Balancing - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Vision - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Hearing - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Talking - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Other: Running/Jumping - Almost Never (