Zoological Gardens - Zookeeper I - TE

City of Abilene•Abilene, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Supervisor – Zookeeper, this position involves a variety of duties related to the care and well-being of multiple animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. Primary responsibilities include daily husbandry for animals, their exhibit and holding areas, and other zoo facilities. Employees may have access to controlled substances and are therefore required to not have any previous felony convictions related to controlled substances.

Requirements

Knowledge of safe driving principles and practices.
Knowledge of general animal care and behavior.
Knowledge of hazards and inherent dangers involved in working with zoo animals.
Skill to operate a food grinder, lawn mower, and incubator.
Skill to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to develop a work routine that emphasizes safety with the ability to see potential dangers to the animals, staff and public.
Ability to understand and implement approved husbandry training for collection animals utilizing positive reinforcement in accordance with zoo standards and policies.
Ability to learn the diet and nutritional requirements of zoo animals.
Ability to learn to respond to an animal or public related emergency to prevent injury.
Ability to learn to open, enter, exit, and secure animal enclosures, and service areas.
Ability to learn to net, capture and/or restrain animals of extreme size, strength, and agility.
Ability to learn to handle, examine, and move without harming sick, injured, and/or struggling small animals.
Ability to follow and carry out specific oral and written instructions.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Ability to follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Ability to perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
A valid Texas driver’s license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
Bloodborne Pathogens training and HazCom training are required within sixty (60) days of employment.
Employees are required to not have any previous felony convictions related to a controlled substance.
Ability to display adequate field of vision and auditory acuity to be aware of animals or vehicles approaching from the rear.
Exposure to cold, heat, outdoors, and chemicals.
Ability to travel to different sites.
Requires the ability to work a flexible work schedule that includes nights, holidays, and weekends.
Heavy lifting (up to 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds).

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to individuals with experience in the care of animals.
An associate’s degree equivalence in an animal management or science related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Carry out all aspects of the daily care for assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities and maintaining a clean and organized area.
Observe animal behavior and welfare on both a day to day and long-term basis with the ability to note normal and unusual behavior, as well as perceive changes in an animal’s injury, health or appetite concerns and report to their supervisor.
Provide species appropriate and approved behavior-based enrichment for all collection animals in accordance with zoo standards and policies.
Prepare, store and distribute animal diets and foods following feeding guidelines; assist Zoo Veterinarians in evaluating dietary needs and changes of zoo animals according to established USDA and zoo policies.
Maintain required husbandry records on all daily reports, animal welfare, medical sheets, training, and enrichment logs according to established guidelines.
Properly administer prescribed medications, supplements or treatments under the Zoo Veterinarian’s guidance.
Clean and maintain the zoo commissary, food storage areas such as hay barn or supply rooms; assist with unloading supplies from delivery trucks.
Work in a professional manner with volunteers, including interns, zoo teens, and adult volunteers, and take responsibility for training and guiding them in assigned tasks.
Familiar with animal handling and restraint as necessary, proper crating and uncrating of animals, and how to use various recapture and restraint equipment.
Maintain lawn and landscaping within animal exhibits; able to safely operate lawn and maintenance equipment; assist horticulture staff with landscaping outside of animal exhibits.
Operate City vehicles, including zoo motorized vehicles (golf cart, gator) inside and outside zoo property as needed for the job.
Provide routine maintenance and assist in the construction of exhibits and facilities; request maintenance assistance in repairing damaged areas or zoo facilities through work orders.
Speak professionally and respectfully with members of the public to answer any questions about the zoo in general and deliver educational programs through keeper chats on collection animals. Public appearances may be requested.
Perform other duties as assigned by the zoo management team on specific departmental needs or zoo wide needs and responsibilities, work collaboratively with other zoo staff and departments.
Participate in zoo meetings, events and attend staff training sessions.
Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.