Zoo Keeper - Education and Conservation Ambassador Collection

DESCRIPTION

This position will be a part of our Conservation and Education Department at Dickerson Park Zoo. Working closely with the Conservation and Education Director and supervised by the General Curator or Head Keeper over the Ambassador Collection. Communication is vital in this position as it works closely with Friends of the Zoo Docents, Education Specialist, and Animal Health team.

Primary Purpose

Performs general husbandry duties as well as exhibit maintenance, ground maintenance, and landscape work for one or more assigned animal specialty areas including birds, mammals, reptiles and other species for the Dickerson Park Zoo.  Responsible for safety, health, and wellbeing of assigned animals.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Experience, Education, and Training

• Typically requires two years of experience in an animal science related area including the care of domestic, native, and exotic animals.


• Experience requirements must be commensurate with the specialty area associated with current vacancy.

PREFERRED

• Directly related education and/or coursework.

Licensing/Certification

• Must possess a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Knowledge

• Principles and procedures dealing with general animal husbandry and animal science


• Standard behaviors of assigned specialty animals regarding handling, feeding, breeding, social interaction patterns, and animal health


• Record keeping procedures.

Abilities

• Effectively care for and maintain animal inventory, observe animal behavior, and maintain appropriate animal records


• Follow proper safety principles and procedures as well as be able to recognize safety hazards


• Possess a strong attention to detail


• Learn and follow standard operating procedures for the care and handling of assigned animals


• Demonstrate effective decision-making and sound judgment


• Complete appropriate forms and routine reports


• Follow oral and written instructions


• Operate hand and power tools, zoo vehicles, as well as other equipment utilized in completing zoo duties


• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing


• Deal effectively and courteously with associates, volunteers, and the public


• Present an overall professional image


• Effectively welcome and embrace differences among employees and citizens


• Perform effectively as a member of a team in carrying out the Friends of the Zoo and the City's stated mission and philosophy


• Perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of self or others.
  
  

FUNCTIONS

Essential Functions

1. Observes and notes animal behavior, including feeding, breeding and social interactions and monitors such behavior in order to detect indicators of potential concerns or problems.


2. Prepare routine reports periodically, documenting the daily activities and animal behaviors.


3. Inspects and monitors assigned areas to ensure the general health and safety of both the animals, visitors, and docents.


4. Cleans and disinfects animal exhibits and holding areas.


5. Monitors daily environmental conditions for animals such as temperature, rain, snow, etc.


6. Assists in designing animal husbandry/breeding programs including enrichment programs to improve animal welfare.


7. Feeds animals and prepare diets for assigned areas when needed. Monitors and reports on overall animal health including dietary issues.


8. Assists in the care of sick and injured animals as outlined by the veterinarians and supervisors.


9. Participates in the design and repairs of exhibits and facilities necessary for animal displays and/or exhibit structures. Utilizes appropriate hand and power tools such as drills, skill saws, jackhammers, compressors, as well as other equipment required in the use of designing, constructing, and repairing animal exhibits and displays.


10. Provides tours, assists in educational presentations, and promotes other forms of public relations activities for the zoo.


11. Carries out control measures for pests and predators.


12. Travel to various on- and off-site locations utilizing pick-ups or other light vehicles and equipment to deliver, transport, or obtain feed, materials, equipment and supplies.

Important Functions

1. Attends conferences, workshops, seminars, and other training for professional development purposes.


2. Oversee the work of a small number of temporary employees and volunteers assigned to specialty area.


3. Maintains order and cleanliness of service areas, grounds and other assigned spaces


4. Performs office administration tasks such as copying, filing, faxing, and word processing as assigned.

Performs related work as required.
 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Supervision

Under the general supervision of an assigned Head Keeper or General Curator. 

Physical Requirements

Performs frequent walking, bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and reaching both to ground level and overhead; lifts, carries, pushes, and pulls up to 100 pounds for animals, bales of hay, sacks of feed, cartons and supplies, and other similar items; holds and grips objects; may be subject to long periods of standing. 

Working Environment

Primarily outdoors with exposure to dust, pollen, and water elements; subject to a variety of extreme weather conditions and temperatures due to working outdoors year-round; susceptible to mechanical hazards associated with tools and small equipment and other safety hazards associated with working around animals; may be subject to working in cramped spaces.  Subject to safety hazards associated with caring for domestic, native, and exotic animals such as injuries resulting from bites or other physical contact; susceptible to strong odors, fumes, poor lighting, and cramped spaces.  Possible exposure to disease due to contact with animals.

Miscellaneous Requirements

Subject to emergency call-in; must be able to work a flexible work schedule including weekends and/or holidays.

Job Details

This position is a Friends of the Zoo Animal Ambassador Zoo Keeper at Dickerson Park Zoo

Salary: $16.55 an hour or $34,424.00 annually
Vacation, Holiday, Sick and Personal Time included.
Medical, Dental and Vision benefits covered for employee.

Non-Exempt