Facility
Sacramento Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Sacramento Zoological Society, the 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that manages the Sacramento Zoo, is seeking an experienced “General Animal Keeper”. The Zoo exhibits over 500 specimens representing 150 species on 14 acres in a well-established city park. The Zoo hosts over 500,000 visitors annually. The Sacramento Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1975 and has a strong participation in AZA programs.
Position reports to: Director of Animal Care. Daily supervision is provided by Zoo Animal Care Supervisors.
Position Summary: This one position is a general Full Time “Animal Keeper” at the Sacramento Zoo. Performs all duties entailed in the husbandry and care of an exotic animal collection at an AZA accredited facility across all sections of the Animal Care Department. This position will train and work within all five of the zoo’s animal sections including Carnivores, Primates, Ungulates, Birds and Herps. A successful candidate will have a positive attitude, excellent communication and problem solving skills, work independently at a fast pace and have a great understanding of, and passion for captive exotic animal management in an AZA Zoological setting. Experience with, and willingness to be involved in AZA Species Survival Programs as well as other AZA programs is highly desired.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
• On your own or with other Keepers perform all day to day duties required in maintaining an assigned section of the zoo’s Animal Care Department.
• Work without close supervision. Exercise sound judgment in analyzing emergency situations. Follow all safety guidelines and policies during general duties as well as emergency situations.
• Preparation of animal diets; feeding and watering animals according to a predetermined schedule.
• Cleaning, disinfection and maintenance of animal exhibits, holding areas and zoo grounds.
• Operating trucks, tractors and other machinery as necessary.
• Capture and restraint of animals as necessary for treatment, general husbandry or transport.
• Treatment of sick or injured animals as directed by veterinary staff.
• Maintenance and repair of animal exhibits, grounds, holding areas, shelters and dens.
• Observation and monitoring of animal behavior and physiology.
• Submission of detailed written reports concerning animals and condition of assigned area.
• Provide recommendations concerning diet changes and exhibit modification which would improve breeding potential, visitor experience and general well-being of the animals.
• Conduct tours, giving animal care demonstrations and other oral presentations to zoo visitors, school groups, potential donors, etc.
• Provide supervision, guidance and mentorship of the activities of Keeper-aide volunteers and section interns in their tasks as assigned at the zoo.
• Must respond per protocols and training to any various array of emergencies, including, but not limited to animal escapes.
• Perform extensive operant conditioning and training for husbandry and medical purposes.
• Oversee, create, organize and manage physical and behavioral enrichment activities for assigned section per given day.
• Assist in the day’s assigned Section with all general operation as needed: area oversight, record keeping, data entry, project oversight, pest control, volunteer oversight, communication with other zoo departments & other zoo professionals, reproduction and introduction activities, and other duties as dictated.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications (Knowledge Of):
• AZA programs, mission, conservation goals and overall operations.
• Animal biology, nutrition, natural history, behavior and medical health.
• General husbandry practices, animal restraint and capture techniques.
• Animal behavior, operant conditioning, common environmental enrichment, and animal training practices.
• Basic animal first aid and emergency treatment.
• Safe work practices while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals including protected contact procedures.
Abilities:
• Make minor repairs and perform general maintenance and light construction utilizing various hand held power tools.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions and communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Be proficient in general computer use including common programs such as Word & Excel.
• Familiarity with animal record systems such as ZIMS, TRACKS or others.
• Make oral presentations to groups.
• Perform general duty labor for extended periods and under adverse weather conditions.
• Lift, carry and push or pull objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Armed Response Team experience desired, but not required.
Experience: A minimum of two years paid experience as a Zoo Keeper in a Zoological setting is required.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Biological Sciences (i.e. Biology, Zoology, and Ecology) or related discipline required. Certain levels of experience may be accepted in lieu of education, pending approval of Zoo Management.
License or Certificate: Possession of a valid Driver’s License at the time of appointment is required; loss of the License is cause for discipline. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Disclaimer: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of an employee assigned to this job.
Compensation and benefits
This is a full time position. Salary is commensurate with experience, and includes a competitive benefits package.
Application instructions
Send cover letter and resume to saczooanimalcare@gmail.com. State “ANIMAL KEEPER” in the subject line. Position open until filled.