Facility
Chehaw Park & Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Start Date: March 22, 2022 or sooner
This is a 40hr/week, 6-month position working alongside a team of animal care professionals to assist with daily animal husbandry, enrichment, training, and medical procedures. This position is designed to provide valuable on-the-job experience for entry-level keepers and to further prepare them for a career in the animal-care field.
The Zoo houses a variety of species, and relief keepers will be assigned to areas based on need and the keeper’s interests.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
40 hours (5 days) per week – ANY DAY Mon-Sun
Available to work weekends and holidays
Position will continue for no more than 6 months or 1500 hours in one calendar year
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Enclosure cleaning and maintenance
• Diet preparation and feeding
• Animal observation and proper record documentation
• Implementation of approved enrichment
• Animal handling during public presentations
• Development of public speaking skills through conservation-themed programs
• Working all major holidays if scheduled to do so
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions including heat, humidity, rain, cold, and dust
• Will be exposed to strong odors, dust, hay, and animal fur/hair/dander
• Position involves considerable physical exertion such as repetitive bending, pushing/pulling/carrying heavy loads, and regular lifting of heavy objects (up to 60 pounds)
Education and Pre-requisites
• Must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to/from work
• Proof of a negative TB test within 6 months prior to hire or willingness to be tested upon hire
• Proof of Tetanus vaccination within 10 years prior to hire or willingness to be vaccinated upon hire
• Recommended vaccinations: preventative rabies, Hepatitis A & B, Covid-19, Influenza
• Previous animal-care experience is preferred but not required
Compensation and benefits
Pay: $8.50 per hour
Optional housing and utilities: $50.00 per week deducted from pay; on a “first-come, first-served” basis, Chehaw offers private rooms for rent for temporary employees whose primary residence creates a commute of over 2 hours. These rooms share common indoor living areas with other temporary staff. The availability of housing is not guaranteed.
Application instructions
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to ckoenig@chehaw.org prior to March 22, 2022. Subject line should read: Seasonal Relief Keeper AAZK