Deadline to Apply: Thursday, January 30, 2014 @ 5:00pm, Pacific
Salary: $20.27 – $25.86 hourly
Entry rate: $20.27; 6 months; $21.55; 18 months: $22.90; 30 months: $24.34; 42 months: $25.86/hour
Work week: Day shift; Thursday through Monday (off Tuesday and Wednesday); 20 hours per week
Work area: Butterfly Lab/Oregon Zoo
About the Oregon Zoo
Owned and operated by Metro regional government, the Oregon Zoo has an annual attendance of over 1.6 million visitors. The zoo located along the MAX light rail line, just minutes from downtown Portland, is highly regarded nationally, regionally and locally. The Oregon Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals representing 279 species of amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates and mammals.
It’s an exciting time at the zoo! The passage of a voter supported bond measure has allowed us to design and build new exhibits for elephants, primates, polar bears, hippos, California condors and a new conservation education facility, a new veterinary center and penguin filtration system. The master plan includes a strong focus on water and energy conservation and improved sustainability of all zoo operations.
To learn more about the Oregon Zoo, visit www.oregonzoo.org.
Position summary
The Animal Keeper – Butterflies position specializes in the care of butterflies and all of their life stages, reared at the zoo, for release into the wild. The keeper in this position is responsible for day-to-day husbandry activities for the butterfly species held in our Butterfly Lab facility, located at the Oregon Zoo. Duties include collaborating closely with Conservation and Research staff; maintaining animal holding and exhibit areas; observing, cleaning and feeding and maintaining comprehensive records; assisting with breeding and research projects; writing reports, attending and presenting information at meetings with zoo partners; participating in the development and implementation of improved animal care and exhibit plans. Keepers also provide education, talks, tours and behind-the-scenes experiences for a variety of audiences. The person in this position will serve as a resource to other Animal Keepers, as needed, and may provide training and direction for volunteers, interns and temporary keepers. Lead direction is received from an animal curator.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor degree in biology, zoology, entomology, or related field and at least three years of experience in invertebrate care in a zoo or similar institution. Specifically, experience working with insect husbandry, insect breeding programs, and species recovery programs; or any combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job. Proven skill and ability to maintain comprehensive and complex records, enter and summarize data using computer software programs, experience writing official reports and presenting results to various stakeholders. Ability to develop, follow and update population management plans, breeding and husbandry protocols and procedures. Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing, and excellent inter-personal skills to interact and work with Zoo staff at all levels, volunteers, guests, donors, other Metro employees, and various stakeholders and collaborators from other agencies. A valid driver’s license is required.
To apply: visit www.oregonmetro.gov/jobs for the complete job announcement and a link to our online hiring center. Metro is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.