Zoological Gardens - Zookeeper I - TE

About the role

The Zookeeper position provides a variety of duties involved in the care and well-being of multiple animal species. 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.
• 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

This position does not exercise supervision.

Qualifications

• Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.
• A minimum of an associate’s degree equivalence in an animal management or science related field is preferred.
• A valid Texas driver’s license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Skills

• Safe driving principles and practices.
• General animal care and behavior.
• Hazards and inherent dangers involved in working with zoo animals.
• To operate a food grinder, lawn mower, and incubator.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle.
• To develop a work routine that emphasizes safety with the ability to see potential dangers to the animals, staff and public.
• To understand and implement approved husbandry training for collection animals utilizing positive reinforcement in accordance with zoo standards and policies.
• To learn the diet and nutritional requirements of zoo animals.
• To learn to respond to an animal or public related emergency to prevent injury.
• To learn to open, enter, exit, and secure animal enclosures, and service areas.
• To learn to net, capture and/or restrain animals of extreme size, strength, and agility.
• To handle, examine, and move without harming sick, injured, and/or struggling small animals.
• To follow and carry out specific oral and written instructions.
• To communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• To establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• To follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• To perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

Hourly Pay Range: $16.76 - $20.11 USD

Schedule

Flexible work schedule that includes nights, holidays, and weekends.