Zookeeper

City of Hutchinson•Hutchinson, KS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Zookeeper provides daily care for various ungulates, participates in animal well-being practices and assessments, including training and enrichment. This role involves maintaining safe, healthy, clean, and attractive habitats and public spaces, making repairs or reporting issues as needed. The Zookeeper also engages zoo guests and requires excellent public relations, organization, and communication skills. Key areas of responsibility include animal husbandry and management, animal well-being duties, maintaining animal care facilities, and guest engagement.

Requirements

A minimum of an associate degree in zoo science or a related field from an accredited college or university.
One to three years of hands-on work experience in a zoological, wildlife park or closely related environment.
Must have or be able to obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within 6 months of employment.
Must possess a valid Kansas Driver's License.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in an applicable science-related field.
Prior paid experience in the animal care industry (may be a substitute for a degree).
Prior experience in behavioral husbandry and veterinary treatment techniques.
Wildlife rehabilitation experience.

Responsibilities

Cleaning and disinfecting animal habitats, holding areas and exhibit features according to SOPs.
Collecting and disposing of refuse.
Preparing animal diets according to prescribed diets; providing food and water to animals on a predetermined schedule and presentation plan.
Cleaning and disinfecting dishes/pans and feeding stations.
Applying natural history background information/knowledge and individual species information to identify assigned animals by prevailing characteristics.
Visually inspecting, observing, interpreting, and documenting animal behaviors, body condition, weight, health status, food consumption and fecal output.
Providing species-specific animal care as needed (e.g., bathing/soaking, grooming, nail/hoof trim).
Administering first aid to injured or sick animals; providing medication to animals as directed by veterinary staff, including treatments, vaccinations, and annual exams.
Maintaining knowledge of current techniques, efficiencies, and best practices in animal husbandry.
Operating heavy equipment to maintain yards and animals as needed.
Working around and adjusting for large animals, small animals, aggressive species, and flighty species.
In collaboration with Zoo leadership and veterinarians, creating and implementing a goal-based enrichment and experiences plan for an assigned group of animals.
Implementing regular enrichment and experiences as outlined in each animal's plan.
Planning and implementing a behavioral husbandry plan allowing up-close observation and treatment of the assigned animals.
Training animals for behavioral restraint and participation in their healthcare.
Conducting regular assessments regarding the well-being of assigned animals and adjusting according to results.
Collaborating with other animal care staff and other facilities to maintain best practices of animal welfare.
Assisting the veterinarian in the evaluation, diagnosis, medication, and treatment of animals.
Maintaining required husbandry records as well as animal wellbeing assessments, medical sheets, training, and enrichment logs according to established guidelines.
Willingly sharing information and ensuring important matters are shared with all appropriate parties.
Inspecting and maintaining areas to meet AZA and USDA standards.
Conducting daily inspections of their areas and grounds to ensure animal well-being and the security of City property.
Ensuring the safety of animals and guests by maintaining indoor and outdoor habitat areas, including proper containment; performing general maintenance to these areas as needed.
Implementing pest control program under the direction of the Animal Care Supervisor and the Pest Control specialist at the City of Hutchinson.
Performing preventative or routine maintenance of animal environments, including collection, installation, and/or maintenance of furnishings and substrates.
Opening and closing zoo buildings and grounds and assisting in providing security during public hours.
Collaborating with Zoo leadership in updating and maintaining the Zoo's Master plan and strategic plan.
Assisting Curator, Zoo Director and Parks leadership on exhibit design development and renovations as needed.
May assist with landscaping exhibit areas.
Speaking professionally and respectfully with zoo guests and answering questions about the Zoo, animals and other information.
Planning and delivering formal and informal presentations for guests, including facilitating feeding opportunities for hoofstock.
Promoting the mission of the Zoo to the community and surrounding areas.
Communicating and guiding guests to safety during emergencies when needed.
Coordinating and overseeing animal care volunteers assigned to the area.
Assisting with other keeper staff as needed, training new keepers, interns and volunteers.
Actively participating in weekly staff meetings, monthly safety training sessions and emergency response drills.
Carrying out duties and job assignments as delegated by immediate managers or other appropriate members of management.
Monitoring inventory of food and other supplies and communicating needs to supervisors and requests purchases as needed.
Assisting with wildlife rehabilitation intake, exams and care as needed.