Part-Time Houston Toad Keeper

Fort Worth Zoo•Fort Worth, TX

4d•$15 - $17•Onsite

About The Position

The responsibility of this position is to maintain and care for animals within the Texas Native Amphibian Center as directed, primarily focusing on the Houston Toad program; to assist veterinary staff as needed; and to perform a variety of activities related to the assigned area of responsibility. As necessary and time allows similar tasks in other areas of the Ectotherms Department may be assigned. This is a part-time position working approximately 20 hours per week.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older
Must have one year of zoo keeping experience
Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability
Ability to work independently in the absence of immediate supervision
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Ability to establish and effective working relationships
Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities
High School diploma or equivalent
One year of increasingly responsible zoo keeping experience, compensation will be experience dependent

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, zoology, animal behavior, biology, ecology, psychology or related field preferred
Specialized training in zoology or a related field desirable but not required

Responsibilities

Provide necessary husbandry parameters and appropriate environments for species in assigned section
Ensure all animal enclosures are kept clean (i.e., flushed if appropriate or substrate changed on regular basis, free of fecal/urate material, clean water bowl and props, uneaten food removed, etc.)
Clean and maintain animal enclosures as directed in the Houston Toad SOPs
Check animal exhibit enclosures twice daily and service properly (i.e., clean glass, cover exposed water bowls or pots, remove dead plants, feces/urates, cobwebs, uneaten food)
Check all animal enclosures and locks daily for security purposes and relay any problems immediately to supervisor
Provide appropriate back-up coverage as relief keeper (use check sheet, record observations, accurate communication, clean and feed, etc.)
Conduct water chemistries on a regular basis following all protocols
Properly care for and feed feeder insects following related SOPs
Check all animals daily, and note observations on cage card (if applicable) and TRACKS. Submit Health Alerts as needed and report all major findings to a supervisor immediately
Maintain all animal records. Ensure each animal enclosure has an updated cage card (if applicable) and records in TRACKS
Note abnormal feeding patterns on feed cards, TRACKS and report to supervisor, as well as discuss at weekly staff meetings
Check out with supervisor before leaving at the end of the day and relay any pertinent information/updates verbally
Carry out animal diet directives from management. Discuss any diet, supplementation, or feeding change requests with supervisor
Take weights on all animals on a regular basis (i.e., birth or hatching, opportunistically when being handled, suspected weight loss, prior to shipment, etc.). All animals are to be weighed a minimum of twice per year, or as directed by management, and recorded in TRACKS
Implement animal training and enrichment directives assigned by management within instructed timeframe and record in TRACKS
Strictly follow all venomous and dangerous animal protocols
Maintain safe and clutter-free work environment
Keep all work areas and building parameter clean and free of debris
Monitor building temperatures and equipment. Report malfunctions to supervisor
Conduct routine filter changes and backwashes according to SOPs, as scheduled, or needed
Act in a professional and courteous manner with coworkers and zoo visitors
Be respectful of coworkers, maintain a positive work environment and team atmosphere
Manage time appropriately to complete daily routine and work on extra projects
Properly maintain live prey and food cultures and ensure adequate supply
Keep public and keeper work areas organized and clean (i.e., floors swept and mopped daily, cobwebs removed, shelves, exhibits, light fixtures dusted, etc.)
Hang UV light bulbs at an appropriate distance from animal (varies for bulb type). Mark bulbs with date upon installation. Replace bulbs as needed (indicated by using UVB meter and range chart) and enter into TRACKS. Monitor UVB output 48 hours after installation and every six months thereafter using the UV meter. Write all readings on the light fixture
Clean animal equipment properly after use to prevent disease transmission and store properly. Use and maintain footbaths according to SOPs
When animal sections are redistributed, the current keeper is to: weigh animal, conduct visual inspection of animal with supervisor and new keeper, discuss current husbandry procedures and any pertinent behaviors or other relative information. Ensure all records are complete and updated prior to transfer
Fulfill other duties as assigned in Animal Programs Keeper Job Description