Facility
Roger Williams Park Zoo/ Rhode Island Zoological Society
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Roger Williams Park Zoo (RWPZ) of Providence, Rhode Island, is one of the nation’s oldest zoos, exhibiting over 100 animal species. Our culture is built on our core values -community, fun, innovation, diversity, integrity, sustainability, and excellence. We value our role in the community as a treasured place for families and a trusted resource for learning; we create a sense of community for our staff and contribute to the global conservation community. We provide a fun experience for our guests and believe that a fun environment is essential to create a great workplace. We are willing to take risks, to propose novel ideas and to think “out of the box”. Bold dreams are welcome here. We act with respect toward all. We value diversity and are intolerant of bias. Integrity and honesty drive our business practices and our relationships with each other and our constituents. We are driven by our vision of greater sustainability in our environmental practices and in our business model. We believe that by establishing a sustainable financial base we can best achieve our goals. We are always striving for excellence. We work to exceed expectations in all areas.
RWPZ is currently recruiting for a full-time, year-round, Zookeeper. Reporting to the Director of Animal Care and Animal Care Manager, our Zookeepers are responsible for the feeding and general welfare of our zoo animals. This position is employed by the City of Providence.
Job Functions:
• Assume immediate responsibility for the general welfare of animals in accordance with USDA and AZA guidelines.
• Prepare food, feed, and provide water to the animals.
• Regularly inspect animals and report sickness, injuries, or any other changes in their condition to the appropriate up-line personnel.
• Assist, as directed, in medicating, capturing, crating, and transporting animals; assist veterinary department with animal restraint and procedures as needed.
• Cooperate in zoo sponsored research, educational projects, and in establishing, modifying, and dismantling of exhibits and displays.
• Clean and maintain the animal cages, exhibits, pens, pools and ponds, exhibit buildings and zoo grounds associated with exhibits including roads and paths within the perimeter fence of the animal areas. Service may be required on exhibits and animals outside of zoo grounds (temporary exhibits, etc.).
• As directed, is responsible for:
o Environmental enrichment, training, and conditioning of targeted species.
o Assisting in training new Zoo Keepers and educational interns in the functions and workings of their area of responsibility.
o Maintaining accurate records, prepares reports, maintains inventories, and picks up food when necessary.
o Public safety during a crisis (fire, escape, etc.) on zoo grounds.
• Participates in employee training programs.
• Checks and secures cages, exhibits, gates, doors, locks, and exhibit buildings for security.
• Performs customary maintenance and repairs on cages, fences, equipment, etc., and submits work order to appropriate up-line personnel if unable to accomplish maintenance or repairs.
• Assists in pest control.
• Acts as ambassador for the zoo, advising the public on viewing, feeding, and touching animals.
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, overtime, and be on call for emergency situations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
• A degree from an accredited college or university in zoology, animal science or related field and two (2) years previous animal care experience in a zoo or aquarium setting, or four (4) years animal care experience in a zoo or aquarium setting.
• Familiarity with USDA and AZA guidelines.
• Must test negative for Tuberculosis and have a current Rabies vaccination.
• Familiarity and knowledge of animal enrichment, animal physiology, temperament, reproductive cycles, physical needs, and behavior for a wide variety of animal species.
• Working knowledge of the prevention and precautionary actions that must be taken against various zoonotic diseases within the collection.
• Ability to:
o handle and control animals; familiarity with animal escape and crisis procedure and proficiency with the use of capture equipment.
o maintain accurate records, understand and follow complex directions, and learn new skills.
o communicate effectively and courteously with the public and knowledgeable to answer their questions.
o lift fifty (50) pounds.
o perform all essential functions of the job
• Proficiency in using hand and power tools, physical capability to perform heavy manual labor, and willingness to work shifts and weekends.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State Driver’s License.
Compensation and benefits
Application instructions
If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to be a Zookeeper of a well-renowned Zoo in the New England area, located in one of the most exciting and diverse cities on the east coast, send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to:
employment@rwpzoo.org
-or-
Roger Williams Park Zoo
1000 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
ATTN: Zookeeper Search