Facility
Buffalo Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Buffalo Zoo is hiring a part-time Apprentice Animal Keeper. Selected candidate would be expected to work 21-28 hours per week. This is a non-exempt, part-time hourly position. Apprentice positions usually are limited to a one to two-year term. Rate of pay is $13.20 per hour.
Basic Purpose and Responsibility:
Under the supervision of the Curator(s) and the Animal Keepers, the Apprentice Zookeeper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry of the animals and the maintenance of animal exhibits. This position will rotate to different areas within the department to accommodate the changing needs of the collection.
Essential Functions
• Primary accountability for specific functions and results. The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented or changed as necessary.
• Prepares and provides diet and feeding regime to designated animals as specified by the supervisor-in-charge.
• Assists in the cleaning of animal enclosures to perform exhibit maintenance duties and modify exhibits to meet seasonal requirements.
• Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral condition to their supervising keeper.
• Identifies any potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to their supervising keeper.
• Cooperates in answering questions presented by the public, other zoo employees, volunteers and interns to promote quality guest service.
• Oversees work activities and may assist in the training of interns if directed to do so.
• Performs any additional animal care duties or departmental responsibilities as directed by their supervising keeper or the Curators.
Physical Demands
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Able and willing to perform sustained work of a physical nature, that may require heavy lifting.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. Use computer hardware and software for extended periods of time (repetitive motion). Sitting for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• A fitness for duty test will be required in order for the successful candidate to be given further consideration for the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Buffalo Zoo is an At Will employer and all Buffalo Zoo employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.
Education and Pre-requisites
To perform at a proficient level and be fully qualified, a person would be expected to have:
Education (Minimum Needed):
• Enrollment in a program leading to at least a two-year degree or higher in one of the natural sciences or other disciplines. Degrees in other fields may be substituted by additional relevant experience.
Experience (Minimum Needed):
• Experience with a diversified exotic animal collection gained through internships, volunteer experience or employment. Extensive domestic animal experience may be a qualifying substitute.
Special Skills:
• Demonstrated proficiency in use of all cleaning and husbandry equipment and supplies.
Other:
• Must provide proof of negative TB test upon hire. TB test conducted annually.
• Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as necessary.
• Must support Buffalo Zoo’s Vision, Mission and Core Values.
• Must possess or be able to obtain within 30-days of employment a valid New York State driver’s license and have an average or better driving record based on the evaluation process of our insurance company. Retention of position is contingent upon maintaining required license. Must upgrade to classification appropriate to requirements (non-CDLC or CDL class).
Compensation and benefits
$13.20 per hour. Part-time employees will accrue sick time based on hours worked.
Application instructions
If interested, please submit resume and cover letter (no phone calls) to: zooapplications@buffalozoo.org
Use subject line: Buffalo Zoo Apprentice Keeper. Attachments are to be formatted: Last name first name Cover Letter.Doc or PDF, and Last name first name Resume.Doc or PDF. Position open until filled.
For more information about the Buffalo Zoo, please visit our website at: http://www.buffalozoo.org