Temporary Bird Keeper

Fort Worth Zoo • Fort Worth, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is for 400 hours of work generally in the form of 10 weeks, 40-hour weeks. The role involves maintaining and caring for a variety of animals within the Zoo, assisting veterinary staff as needed, and performing a variety of activities relative to the assigned area of responsibility. Positions at this level are initially expected to perform under immediate supervision, progressing to general supervision as knowledge operating of procedures is gained.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of: Operations, services, and activities of a zoo animal program
• Methods and techniques of handling a variety of animals
• Proper feeding and diet requirements of a variety of animal species
• Operational characteristics of animal handling and food preparation equipment
• Safe work procedures when around animals
• Principles and procedures of record keeping
• Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals
• Clean and maintain assigned animal enclosures as directed by supervisor
• Operate a variety of animal equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner
• Implement diet instructions specified by nutritionist
• Maintain accurate records on animal behavior and prepare reports
• Work independently in the absence of immediate supervision
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Maintain mental capacity which permits making sound decisions and using good judgment, prioritizing work activities, demonstrating intellectual capabilities
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting, walking, or standing for extended periods of time, working closely with others, operating assigned equipment
• Must posses a valid Class "C" driver license

Nice To Haves

• One year of increasingly responsible zoo keeping experience, compensation will be experience dependent
• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized collegiate courses/training in zoology or a related field

Responsibilities

• Feed and water animals in and around existing quarters; clean, sanitize, maintain, and repair animal quarters as required; sweep, dust, and mop floors
• Prepare diets for animals; clean and maintain work area and food storage containers
• Maintain adequate records on daily activities; observe animal behavior for signs of illness, weight loss/gain or injury; report any signs of illness or injury; assist veterinarians in minor operations or related activity as needed
• Assist in the training of assigned animals, guide animals through daily routines according to established training schedules and guidelines
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner
• Care for new and quarantined animals when required; obtain and submit fecal samples as needed
• Assist in directing the proper restraint, crating, moving, and uncrating of animals

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED