Zookeeper - Commissary/Quarantine

Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium•Sioux Falls, SD

About The Position

The Great Plains Zoo welcomes applicants for a Commissary / Quarantine Keeper who will prepare diets for zoo animals, organize and clean kitchens, inventory and stock food prep areas, organize and clean grain and feed rooms, as well as have the same responsibilities as other full-time zookeepers regarding the care and husbandry of quarantined animals. In this capacity, the quarantine keeper will work with a variety of species across all taxonomic classes regularly. Zookeepers are responsible for the specialized work involving all aspects of general care and husbandry of zoo animals, including maintaining/cleaning adjacent areas.

Requirements

Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
Must be flexible, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and a team player.
Must demonstrate punctual attendance, reliability, and good time management skills.
Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
Must be able to shoot rifles, shotguns, and capture dart guns as required and/or directed to assist in the animal escape and recovery plan.
Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Ability to ascend and descend ladders and stairs as needed
Capability to lift and move crates, animals, or equipment weighing up to 70 lbs.
Proficiency in operating various equipment such as mowers, weed eaters, hay elevators, and motorized carts
Skilled in handling fire hoses effectively
Competence in operating vehicles, including tractors, dump trucks, and pickup trucks
Capacity to load and maneuver wheelbarrows with loads of up to 150 lbs.
Agility and flexibility to navigate around animals in exhibits, corrals, and holding areas
Demonstrated hand and finger dexterity for tasks such as handling small equipment and operating controls
Strong visual acuity to accurately assess and respond to situations involving animals, equipment, and work environments
Requires a bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree; or an equivalent level of work experience and education as determined by the hiring authority.
Maintain a current tetanus vaccination (5 years) and be willing to be TB tested annually.
Must be certified or able to become certified in CPR/AED within 1 year of employment.
Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as required.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a pre-employment background check.
Covid-19 and Flu Vaccines encouraged; must follow masking protocols as determined by the organization.

Nice To Haves

Previous animal training and/or Zookeeper experience.
Experience in an AZA-accredited facility is preferred.
Previous Commissary Experience Preferred

Responsibilities

Prepare diets daily for Zoo's animal collection (follow written and oral instructions concerning type and quantity of foods to be prepared and size of portions; obtaining necessary ingredients from the storage areas/coolers/freezers, and washing, cleaning, peeling, cutting, chopping, grinding, dicing and/or slicing foods as required; accurately measure and weigh portions and package foods in accordance with instructions.)
Prepare food enrichment (e.g., frozen icicles) as scheduled and instructed. Work with keepers on preparing other kinds of enrichment as needed.
Maintain cleanliness, organization, and sanitation of dishes, work areas, all surfaces, and equipment.
Organize and inventory grain and feed rooms, hay storage areas, coolers, and freezers.
Pack and deliver diets and supplies (e.g., hay and grain) throughout Zoo as per instructions.
Will assist in receiving deliveries (e.g., meat, fish, grain, hay, wood shavings, and other supplies) and checking against packing slips.
Inventory and assist in ordering commissary supplies.
Interact with and educate the public, VIPs, and/or media about animal nutrition and department animals/operations through tours, keeper chats, and other special events as assigned. A considerable degree of interpersonal skills will be required, and a high level of appreciation for guest service is necessary.
Provide all aspects of daily care for the animals in assigned exhibits and holding areas. Including but not limited to:
Innovative animal husbandry that complies with AZA and USDA standards.
Preparation and feeding of approved diets.
Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
Implementation of the behavioral program of the animals under assigned care, which includes the animal training (operant conditioning) and enrichment programs.
Designing and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits.
Utilizing preventative husbandry techniques and providing proactive health care as required.
Provide proper care for neonates and young (may require care outside of normal working hours).
Work with the veterinary and animal care teams to provide specialized care to hospitalized or quarantined animals as needed.
Maintain animal exhibits and holding areas, as well as behind-the-scenes keeper areas, in a clean and presentable condition at all times.
Observe the animal collection for any signs of illness, lethargy, injury, or dietary problems and report any problems to the Area Supervisor or Animal Care Director.
Assist the Animal Care Director, Area Supervisor, and/or Veterinarian in routine animal examinations and medicate animals with any prescribed treatments.
Must be able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, and zoo guests.
Must be flexible, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and a team player.
Maintain daily reports, medical records, enrichment logs, and other records as needed in the assigned area.
Participate in the animal behavior management program (animal operant conditioning training and enrichment program) as directed.
Perform basic restraint, crating/uncrating, transport of animals as required, and must have the ability to operate various sizes of animal squeeze cages for medical purposes.
Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
Other duties as assigned by the Area Supervisor or the Animal Care Director.