Heritage Farm Attendant (Seasonal)

Milwaukee County (WI) • Milwaukee, WI

49d • $18

About The Position

The Seasonal Heritage Farm Attendant role maintains and enhances the welfare of the Zoo's Family Farm animal population in accordance with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) advanced standards for professional animal care. This role is responsible for the daily care of domestic and ambassador animals, their enclosures, surroundings, and support facilities. The Heritage Farm Attendant will also perform daily reporting of assigned areas and specimens, public engagement and education, and animal conservation and research. Incumbents must have a strong foundation in animal husbandry and a commitment to positive and collaborative team relationships.

Requirements

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Six (6) months of animal care experience in a Zoo, working farm, or comparable professional setting.
• Basic knowledge of all related computer and software application, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Basic knowledge of Zoological Information Management Systems (ZIMS).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds; ability to push and pull up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Valid United States Driver's License.
• Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

Responsibilities

• Animal Care and Health: Provide the daily care to maintain and enhance the welfare of the Zoo's Family Farm population of domestic and ambassador animals. Order, prepare, and present approved diets. Observe, evaluate, record, and report animal activities, behavior, and physical condition with consideration of patterns and natural history. Ensure the tidiness, hygiene, and maintenance of animal enclosures. Collaborate with veterinary team to promote animal health and nutrition. Train, manually restrain, capture, and/or transport animals to facilitate medical procedures. Administer approved medications and treatments as prescribed.
• Behavioral Husbandry and Welfare: Facilitate and participate in animal training and enrichment programs in alignment with established targets for species behavior and wellbeing. Perform welfare assessments for assigned animal population in accordance with established standards.
• Facilities Management: Ensure the tidiness, hygiene, and maintenance of service areas and surroundings. Operate and maintain animal life-support systems and environmental controls. Identify and report maintenance and pest control needs.
• Public Engagement: Proactively engage with volunteers and visitors to enhance their experience. Conduct formal and informal public presentations, including animal care, natural history, conservation, and research. Assist in the training of educators, tour guides, and volunteers. Maintain positive, collaborative relationships with maintenance, grounds, creative, and all other Zoo departments.
• Administration and Records: Report and maintain records (e.g., animal feeding habits, diets, breeding behavior, health status, physical conditions, enrichment, and training). Complete and maintain copies of work orders and other records regarding the operation and use of the animal area facilities.
• Professional Collaboration: Establish positive rapport within mission-parallel professional organizations, participating in associated conferences and training opportunities. Collaborate with other zoos, researchers, and wildlife organizations to advance the Zoo's mission and animal programs.
• Perform all other duties as assigned: Examples include but are not limited to: serve on animal emergency response team, provide backup coverage for animal commissary operations, support security and safety programs, and serve on committees and parallel teams.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED