Hoofstock

Dallas Zoo Management•Dallas, TX

About The Position

This entry-level animal care position provides daily care for giraffes, okapi, and other hoofstock while following established protocols. Duties include food preparation and feeding, exhibit maintenance, pest control, reproductive management, animal monitoring, and documentation. Zoologists participate in husbandry and operant-conditioning programs, provide approved environmental enrichment, and work with colleagues to improve animal exhibits. The role also includes preparing and conducting educational presentations and tours for zoo guests.

Requirements

Knowledge of animal care and basic husbandry skills.
At least one year of exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility is preferred, ideally with hoofstock.
Flexible, efficient, self-motivated team player with a solution-oriented approach to complex challenges.
Basic knowledge of research techniques and practices, with solid observation skills.
Ability to practice or willingness to learn safe capture and restraint methods for various taxa, potentially including dangerous species.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, employees, interns, volunteers, and zoo guests.
Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to follow instructions and document animal care activities appropriately.
Ability to represent the Zoo professionally.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and take appropriate action in emergencies.
Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above the head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders, and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work holidays and weekends, and regular or irregular hours as required.
Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Ability to work outdoors in hot or inclement weather.
Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, a background check, and a TB test.
Valid driver’s license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related science field.
At least one year of exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility, ideally with hoofstock.

Responsibilities

Provide daily care for assigned animals and exhibits to support animal health, safety, and welfare, as well as staff and public safety, in accordance with AZA, USDA, and DZM standards.
Observe and monitor animal health and behavior and report abnormalities to management or veterinary staff.
Prepare and provide food, provide water, and administer medication according to written instructions.
Clean exhibits, holding pens, food-preparation areas, and equipment; conduct pest control; and report mechanical defects that could pose a danger.
Provide environmental enrichment and training sessions, using operant conditioning as applicable.
Participate in or assist with capture and restraint of various taxa, including potentially dangerous species.
Prepare and update animal records, reports, and surveys, and assist with research projects as needed.
Perform general exhibit maintenance and repairs, including painting, repairing fences and shelters, addressing erosion, planting ground cover, and removing weeds.
Assist with animal transfers and procedures as directed.
Work professionally with animal care and veterinary staff and volunteers.
Promote interest in wildlife through positive interactions with zoo guests and educational presentations about animals, biology, conservation, and environmental issues.
Develop enrichment ideas and items using the enrichment proposal form and record the results of enrichment use.
Collaborate with zoo personnel on work that supports the zoo’s mission, including media events, special tours, and public relations projects.
Participate in and support zoo-wide initiatives, committees, and work groups.
Understand and support Dallas Zoo’s Strategic and Master Plans and departmental collection plans.
Study assigned reference materials about animal care, behavior, and natural history.
Follow safety protocols, understand the animal keeper’s role in emergency procedures, and respond to emergencies as required.