Facility
Oregon Zoo / Metro
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 for Animal Keeper in the Primates area. This position specializes in the care of primates, including chimpanzees, orangutans, monkeys, and lemurs, as well as other small mammals. 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 – Primates 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.
Stay up to date on current industry care standards for the designated species, including but not limited to feeding strategies, introduction methods, breeding and rearing practices, social management, training practices and strategies, and engaging enrichment.
Utilize the principles of operant conditioning to facilitate daily husbandry, 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 deficiencies.
Feed animals in a species-specific manner, report on consumption and recommend diet modifications as needed
Instigate or provide suggestions for enrichment programs which demonstrate knowledge of designated species’ natural biology and individual animal needs.
Administer medications, as prescribed by veterinarians. Inform veterinarian and supervisor of response to medication or other treatments.
Perform or assist with general husbandry tasks, assist with capture, restraint, or segregation of animals for transfer or medical treatment. Can include manual restraint of small primates and mammals.
Direct involvement with developing materials for education purposes and presenting education materials to the public. Conduct informative and professional talks and tours through area of responsibility.
Keep concise, objective records regarding diet, daily animal health and behavior, births, deaths and transfers.
Attributes for success:
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Contribute to a positive team atmosphere and contribute in a close, team-oriented environment.
Ability to successfully train behaviors from inception through completion.
Passion for animal care and conservation.
Diversity and inclusion: At Metro, we’re committed to hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, recognizing that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We invest in employees by supporting equitable and inclusive hiring practices, employee policies and training programs.
Education and Pre-requisites
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related subjects relevant to the care of zoo animals AND
Three years professional animal keeper experience working with primates 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. This proof will be requested during the hiring process.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
To apply for this position please visit our website www.oregonmetro.gov/jobs. Here is a direct link to the posting. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oregonmetro/jobs/3769113/animal-keeper-primates?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
We only accept applications through our website. If you have any questions or need assistance please email recruitment@oregonmetro.gov