Facility
Oregon Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Oregon Zoo has a reputation for leading groundbreaking research, participates in local and global conservation efforts, and strives to exceed AZA animal welfare standard. The zoo is also deeply committed to sustainability and conservation education. Thanks to a generous $125 million voter approved bond measure, the zoo is transforming into a game changing facility welfare, species and habitat conservation outcomes, and green building practices.
The Oregon Zoo is seeking to fill a role as an Animal Keeper for the Elephants area. This person will have the opportunity to work and be in care of a herd of 2.3 Asian elephants in a protected contact system. The keeper in this position is responsible for day-to-day husbandry activities and additional essential job duties as listed below.
As the Animal Keeper in the Elephants area you will:
Observe animals to identify normal and abnormal behavior, reproductive behavior, eating habits, health problems, injuries, and adjustment to diet changes or response to medication. Involvement in corrective actions by initiation or cooperation.
Utilize the principles of operant conditioning to facilitate daily elephant husbandry including skin care, foot care and exercise in a welfare-based training environment.
Utilize the principles of operant conditioning to facilitate behavioral modification and medical procedures.
Service a variety of animal environments including cleaning and disinfecting cages, yards, pools, and food and water receptacles.
Check conditions of animal environments to assess security and safety for animals. Initiate corrective actions for exhibit deficiencies.
Prepare and feed animals in a manner, which is most likely to result in proper consumption.
Initiating or providing suggestions to enrich the environment of elephants, which indicate knowledge of an elephant’s natural biology.
Administer medications, as prescribed by veterinarians, in a protected contact environment.
Perform or assist with general husbandry tasks such as foot trimming, animal introductions, capture and/or restraint, segregation of animals for shipment, medical treatment, or research in a protected contact environment.
Direct involvement with developing materials for education purposes and presenting education materials to the public.
Keep concise, objective records regarding diet, daily animal health and behavior, births, deaths and transfers.
Education and Pre-requisites
Minimum Qualifications:
Associate degree in biology, zoology, or related subjects relevant to the care of zoo animals AND
Three years professional animal keeper experience working with a variety of species OR
Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.
Additional medical testing and/or immunizations (not already stated in this announcement) may be required as the duties of this position may require close contact with animal areas and enclosures where animals may be present.
Required:
Valid driver’s license (Check will be completed for finalist at time of hire)
Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is considered a minimum qualification requirement for Metro job applicants and this proof will be requested during the hiring process.
Compensation and benefits
Based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act , our internal equity review process and the candidates qualifications the appointment will typically be made between $24.53 – $27.71 per hour. The full-salary range for this position is $24.53 – $31.29 per hour.
Application instructions
Please apply through our website www.oregonmetro.gov/jobs.
Here is the job link to the page of this specific position:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oregonmetro/jobs/3590717/animal-keeper-elephants?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
Any questions about the application process or hiring questions, please email jobs@oregonmetro.gov
Diversity and Inclusion: At Metro, we strive to hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.