Facility
Houston Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Houston Zoo Inc. is seeking an enthusiastic professional to join the Hoofed Stock Team. This section includes Okapi, Giant Eland, Giant Anteaters, Cranes, Storks, Ground Hornbills, Zebra, Duiker, Masai Giraffe, Nyala, Bongo, Ankole, Warthogs, and Baird’s Tapirs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Carry out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding and observing animals.
• Participate in education and conservation programs, observe and evaluate animal condition, behavior, and responses, as well as communicate observations orally and on written reports.
• Perform minor repairs and preventative maintenance as necessary, maintain clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas, and improve the quality of life of the animal collection by providing appropriate environmental and behavioral enrichment opportunities consistent with section guidelines.
• Other duties include training selected animals through operant conditioning for purposes of gaining cooperation for veterinary treatment and/or public demonstrations and installing exhibit furnishings, props, and decorations safely, attractively and in a manner consistent with Zoo guidelines.
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
This position may require significant physical effort on a daily basis such as walking, bending, stooping, repetitive motions, lifting heavy objects (up to 80 pounds), or standing for long periods. This position may require the ability to make coordinated gross motor movements in response to changing external stimuli within moderately demanding tolerances.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
There are routine exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture, or inclement weather. This position may involve exposure to zoonotic disease, chemical substances or physical trauma of a minor nature. This individual may be required to work around potentially dangerous animals. Annual tuberculosis testing and vaccination for rabies or other zoonotic diseases may be required. The work schedule for this position may include week-ends, evenings, and holidays.
PHYSICAL SKILL:
Requires the ability to make closely coordinated eye/hand movements within very fine tolerance and/or calibration demands; or the ability to make rapid closely coordinated eye/hand movements on a patterned response space within somewhat fine tolerance demands; or the ability to make coordinated eye/hand movements within fine tolerances with large equipment as an extension of the worker.
PUBLIC CONTACT:
This position involves extensive contact with the public, donors, Zoo Members, and the media, requiring excellent interpersonal skills and an appreciation of the importance of guest service.
Education and Pre-requisites
• 1 year of animal experience (2 years preferred). Training experience is a PLUS!
• Possess and maintain a valid Driver’s license.
Compensation and benefits
Excellent benefits include medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. EOE. Salary is determined based on experience.
Application instructions
Applicants can visit www.houstonzoo.org/careers to download an application
E-mail resume and completed application to careers@houstonzoo.org
Houston Zoo is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer