Intern - Animal Keeper

(Seasonal, Non-Exempt)

Starting Wage: $12.00/hour, and College Course Credit

Closing Date: Open until filled; may close at any time

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Variable 

Must be 18 years or older

How to Apply: Using the “apply” button on this page, please complete the required online application. For general questions about the position, contact Parks and Recreation at 785-587-2757.

Job Summary 

The Animal Keeper Intern will be responsible for assisting Animal Keepers with routine husbandry tasks to provide day-to-day care of a wide variety of multi-class and multi-genera animals. Cleans and maintains animal, service, and public areas of the park. May interact with the public by giving public talks and answering questions. 

Job Duties 

• Assists with general labor duties related to the care of multi-class and multi-genera animals, including diet preparation, animal feeding, cleaning exhibits, maintaining service and public areas.  
• Lifts hay bales, grain sacks and other equipment as needed. 
• Performs ground maintenance in animal areas and around the zoo. 
• Uses and wears applicable personal protective equipment required in hazardous environments and emergency situations. 
• Operates a variety of tools and equipment including weed eater, saws, basic hand tools and basic power tools. 
• Operates a vehicle, such as dump trucks and motorized carts as needed. 
• Maintains records, maintenance logs, and activity records via the use of mobile and stationary electronic devices such as computers, tablets, etc. 
• Communicates orally and in writing, including using the telephone and two-way radio. 
• Represents the City of Manhattan professionally and courteously with the public and other City employees. 
• Assists supervisors and other departmental personnel in other projects for the benefit of the City and/or department. 
• Comprehends and learns standardized work procedures and practices. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Required Knowledge, Skills & Additional Qualifications 

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent. 
• Selected candidate(s) may be required to pass a TB test.  
• Valid Driver’s license.  
• Must be 18 years or older. 

Preferred Knowledge & Skills 

• Six (6) months experience in domestic or exotic animal care. 
• One (1) year of college education, or fifteen (15) hours of college credit in an animal/wildlife, environmental/conservation, natural resources, education, psychology, or sociology related courses. - Some training may be provided.  
• CPR/First Aid Certification (Can be provided through Parks & Recreation). 

Other Information 

• This is not a KPERS covered position. 
• Shift, Workdays, and Hours Varies 

The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law.