Job Description:
SUMMARYProvides for the physical and psychological well-being of zoo animals and enclosures; assists with interpreting the collection to visitors.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Cleans and maintains animal habitats, service areas, and guest areas around and adjacent to habitats using chemical agents and special tools to assure the health and safety of the animals.
Prepares and distributes animal diets according to approved guidelines provided by the curator of animals.
Performs regular maintenance to animal habitats by collecting, installing and maintaining furnishings and substrata to maximize the guest viewing of the animal and to depict its natural environment.
Maintains horticulture and grounds in and around animal habitats using tools such as lawn mowers, weedeaters, sprinklers, and blowers.
Monitors and records health of animals with observation and periodic physical exams, monitors eating habits, behaviors and reproductive patterns.
Observes and interprets normal and abnormal behaviors, health status, and food consumption; advises managers of problems or concerns.
Supervises and assigns work to zoo volunteers and interns scheduled in keeper’s area of responsibility; assists in training and evaluation of volunteers.
Maintains comprehensive records, reports, and training plans; handles routine correspondence from zoo colleagues and the public; maintains food, supply, and equipment inventory.
Reviews available library resources and develops a working knowledge of the in-situ and ex-situ biology of all species in assigned areas.
Conducts fecal, water chemistry and minor blood tests and other laboratory procedures.
Assists zoo veterinarians in the evaluation, examination and treatment of zoo animals; administers medications and provides first aid to injured zoo animals or wildlife until veterinary help arrives.
Assists other park managers with resident wildlife problems within the resort, may include trapping, relocation or euthanasia of sick or nuisance wildlife in accordance with state & federal laws and AVMA and AZA guidelines.
Monitors and reports physical plant problems and fire/safety hazards; trained in CPR, first aid and crisis response, may discharge pepper spray or firearms.
Provides for the psychological well-being of the animal collection by practicing, documenting and evaluating enrichment; recognizes and addresses abnormal or stereotypical behaviors; applies the principles of operant conditioning to facilitate animal husbandry and veterinary procedures; and completes welfare assessments for the species in their care.
Possesses sufficient strength, delicacy, agility and coordination to restrain, capture and/or transfer neonates, fragile or injured animals, or large and strong animals.
May hand rear neonates at home and/or return to the zoo at night to care for sick or newborn animals.
Provides informational, promotional and educational programs to guests and volunteers; may give tours to assist with training classes and to zoo guests.
Follows written and oral instructions.
Adheres to the code of professional ethics of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Interact with guests with a cheerful and positive attitude, solve guest concerns in a proper manner, and maintain harmonious working relationships with fellow employees.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCEBachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education experience.
