Animal Care Specialist

sjgov•Stockton, CA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

This examination is being given to fill 1 vacancy in the Department of Parks & Recreation and to establish an eligible list that may be used to fill future vacancies. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline. NOTE: All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail. Pre-Employment Background, DOJ Live Scan and Drug Screen: Potential new hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a DOJ Live Scan, a pre-employment background investigation and a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment. Final appointment cannot be made unless the eligible has successfully completed the DOJ Live Scan, background process and passed the drug screen. The County pays for the initial drug screen.

Requirements

Successful completion of 60 semester or equivalent quarter units from an accredited college or university, including 18 units of coursework in any combination of the following: biology, zoology, wildlife management, wildlife ecology, animal behavior, or a closely related field.
One year paid or unpaid experience caring for zoo animals and/or exotic species in a zoo or similar setting.
Upon job offer, incumbents must successfully pass a tuberculosis test and maintain a negative tuberculosis test for duration of employment.
Receive inoculation for rabies within six months of employment.
Obtain First Aid/CPR certificate within six month of employment.
Obtain firearm safety training certificate within six months of employment.
Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Basic principles of biology and zoology, including animal identification and natural history, taxonomy, physiology, behavior, nutrition; animal enrichment practices; principles of ecology and population management; basic husbandry principles, including safe food handling and storage and pest control; knowledge of research methods; zoo animal preventative medicine principles and practices; general veterinary terminology and equipment; symptoms of animal illness; basic first aid; basic sanitation, tools and practices; kinds and uses of basic cleaning materials and equipment; exhibit and grounds maintenance and repairs; zoo practices and procedures; safety procedures, including accident prevention and response; hazards of working with wild animals, including restraint practices; basic computer and modern office automation technology, including pertinent software.
Identify changes in animal behavior or physical condition; follow oral and written directions; interpret and apply zoo regulations and procedures; physically handle and/or restrain wild animals, including safe use of darting equipment or firearm; work safely and effectively with wild, delicate and potentially dangerous animals; perform basic mathematical calculations and make accurate measurements; operate a variety of related tools and machinery for exhibits and/or maintenance; operate a variety of motorized vehicles; operate computers and related software; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers and the public.

Responsibilities

Monitors the health and well-being of living animal collections by noting physical or behavioral changes, and takes appropriate action; observes for signs of illness or injury, including diet consumption and other variables used to assess animal condition; records and reports problems and consults with supervisory staff and veterinarian as necessary; captures, moves or isolates animals as circumstances require, ensuring safety of the animals, staff and the public.
Prepares and distributes animal diets; prepares meals according to prescribed needs of animals; adds dietary supplements; maintains safe and sanitary food preparation and storage areas; monitors food and supplies inventory; prepares lists and orders food and supplemental items; rotates stock to ensure fresh food supply.
Cleans, disinfects and maintains animal exhibits and veterinary facilities; removes waste; cleans and disinfects water bowls and water areas; rakes and disposes of leaves and litter; makes minor repairs to maintain integrity of enclosures; monitors for pests and predators; checks operating systems and makes seasonal adjustments as conditions require.
Provides animal enrichment to simulate natural conditions; researches natural behavior and habitats; plans and implements training projects; documents effectiveness of enrichment provided; identifies and installs appropriate exhibit furnishings, such as perching, nest sites, foraging areas, resting platforms, landscape materials.
Prepares, distributes, and documents medications, and provides health care under veterinary direction; may calculate and measure restraint drugs; captures or restrains animals for veterinary care procedures and animal management needs; monitors animals during post-operative recovery period.
Maintains exhibits, grounds, service areas, and support facilities to provide a safe, attractive and healthy environment for animals, and the public; maintains operations of aquatic systems; monitors equipment to maintain required safety standards for zoo species and the public; assists in planning or design to update or create new exhibits.
Supervises and inspects volunteer staff work; trains volunteer staff.
Interacts with zoo visitors and general public; explains and enforces zoo regulations and policies; provides information on animal natural history, care and conservation; answers routine questions by zoo visitors; makes presentations to community groups; communicates with professional peers on questions affecting species management and care.
Provides safe transport of zoo specimens for acquisition, disposition and/or veterinary medical needs and provides species-appropriate temporary housing as required.
Prepares records and reports regarding zoo activities, as required.

Benefits

Choice of three health plans: Kaiser Plan, Select Plan, and Premier Plan (employee pays portion of premium). Dependent coverage available.
Choice of two dental plans: Delta Dental and United Health Care-Select Managed Care Direct Compensation Plan (no cost for employee only coverage). Dependent coverage available.
Vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) (no cost for employee only coverage). Dependent coverage available.
Life insurance coverage provided by the County, with amounts varying based on years of continuous service.
125 Flexible Benefits Plan: Health Flexible Spending Account ($2550 annual limit with $500 carry over) and Dependent Care Assistance Plan ($5000 annual limit).
County Retirement Law of 1937.
Deferred compensation plan under Section 457 of the IRS code.
Vacation accrual based on years of service.
14 paid holidays each year.
12 working days of sick leave annually with unlimited accumulation.
Sick leave incentive program.
3 days of paid bereavement leave for qualifying family member, with 2 additional days for death of spouse, domestic partner, parent or child.
Merit Salary Increase program.
Educational Reimbursement Program (up to $850 per fiscal year for career-related coursework, or up to $1600 per fiscal year for approved four-year college/university programs).
Parking supplemental assistance in Downtown Stockton (up to $20 per pay period).
Up to 40 hours per year (not more than 8 hours per month) to participate in children's school activities.