Temporary Texas Kangaroo Rat Keeper

Fort Worth Zoo•Fort Worth, TX

54d•Onsite

About The Position

The responsibility of this position is to maintain and care for animals within the Texas Native Wildlife Centers as directed, primarily focusing on the Texas Kangaroo Rat program; to assist veterinary staff as needed; and to perform a variety of activities relative to the assigned area of responsibility. As necessary and time allows similar tasks in other areas of the Ectotherms Department may be assigned.

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
Must possess ability to: 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
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities
High School diploma or equivalent

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
Keep all animal enclosures clean (i.e., substrate changed on regular basis, free of fecal/urate material, clean water bowl and props, uneaten food removed, etc.)
Ensure all enclosures and locks are checked for security purposes daily and any problems relayed immediately to supervisor
Provide appropriate back-up coverage as relief keeper (use check sheet, record observations, accurate communication, clean and feed, etc.)
Carry out animal diet directives from management. Discuss any diet, supplementation, or feeding change requests with supervisor
Feed animals as directed, remove uneaten food items, feces, and record shed cycles
Monitor health and behavior of animals daily, submit Health Alerts, document observations and communicate findings/status to supervisor
Maintain all animal records. Each animal enclosure must have an updated cage card (if applicable) and records in TRACKS
Report abnormal feeding patterns if animal misses feedings, has trouble eating, etc. and relay to supervisor
Pair animals for breeding and monitor/record reproductive behavior
Check out with supervisor before leaving at the end of the day and relay any pertinent information/updates verbally
Weigh 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
Initiate animal training and enrichment directives as assigned and record observations
Assist in research and field activities as directed
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
Act in a professional and courteous manner with coworkers and zoo visitors. Present keeper talks and tours as scheduled
Be respectful of coworkers, maintain a positive work environment and team atmosphere
Manage time appropriately to complete daily routine and work on extra projects
Food items are to be properly maintained and in adequate supply
Public and keeper work areas are to be kept organized and clean (i.e., floors swept and mopped daily, cobwebs removed, shelves, exhibits, light fixtures dusted, etc.)
Hang supplemental lighting at an appropriate distance from animal (varies for bulb type). Bulbs should be marked with date upon installation. Bulbs should be replaced as needed (indicated by using UVB meter and range chart) and entered into TRACKS. UVB output should be monitored 48 hours after installation and every six months thereafter using the UV meter. All readings should be written on the light fixture. Basking temperatures should be safe for the animal and checked regularly
Store and clean animal equipment properly after use to prevent disease transmission
Maintain biosecurity by following SOPs and maintain footbaths
Fulfill other duties as assigned in Animal Programs Keeper Job Description