Facility
Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
This position advances the Great Bend – Brit Spaugh Zoo’s mission and goals by providing for the security and integrity of all facilities and for the animal collection. Must have experience with a variety of taxa including participation with medical treatment and hand restraint. This position requires strong skills in the following areas; observational, verbal, written communication, problem solving and computer use. This position also requires the ability to maintain solid working relationships with staff, visitors, volunteers and contractors. All zookeeper staff will follow and abide by all of the rules and regulations of the USDA. This position is FLSA non-exempt.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
A. Performs daily routine duties of the zoo and Raptor Center, such as feeding, exhibit maintenance, and diet preparation.
B. Assists with veterinary procedures.
C. Inspect all facilities and animal specimens through careful touring of zoo grounds, buildings, animal holding areas and service areas.
D. Notes any mechanical, structural, security or collection issues and immediately contacts appropriate staff.
E. Work in conjunction with other staff members to fulfill the zoo’s strategic and master plans.
F. Conduct zoo tours, keeper talks and outreach programs.
G. Captures, handles and moves animals using accepted zoo practices to facilitate shipping, medical procedures or normal routines.
H. Provides care for a specific species of zoo animals through administration of preventive treatments and medications, prepared approved diets, and feedings as needed.
I. Coordinates the efforts of contractors and maintenance staff when they are working in animal areas.
J. Record data and prepare assigned reports/records, (i.e. daily reports, maintenance requests, etc.) and other pertinent data on the collection and facilities as required.
K. Participates in occupational health programs due to potential exposures to zoonosis.
L. Interacts with guests formally and informally.
M. Maintains satisfactory working relationships and a professional appearance.
N. Follows Great Bend – Brit Spaugh Zoo safety protocols.
O. Serves as the ambassador for the City of Great Bend as well as the Great Bend – Brit Spaugh Zoo, supporting and conducting efforts to promote conservation and education.
P. Performs additional tasks as assigned and required.
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily outside. Inside work will involve physical activity associated with working in an office setting. Outside work is occasionally heavy and may involve physical activity such as lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying. Will involve after hours calls and exposure to extreme weather conditions. . May be exposed to toxic fumes and some hazardous materials.
Education and Pre-requisites
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in an animal-related or animal behavior-related field plus, intern experience in the care, feeding and handling of a variety of exotic animals.
Or Associate Degree or equivalent number of college credit hours in an animal-related or animal behavior-related field plus, two years of full-time zoo keeping experience in the care, feeding and handling of a variety of exotic animals.
Or Individuals without a degree may be considered only with five or more year of full-time experience at the minimum level of zookeeper involved in the exhibition and husbandry of a variety of exotic animals.
Qualifications:
A. Knowledge of environmental enrichment and operant conditioning.
B. Experience with dangerous animals.
C. Ability, with proper training, to work in all aspects of animal care, husbandry and training within the area in which individual is assigned.
D. Work nights, weekends and holidays as required.
E. Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
F. Operate a variety of light and medium equipment.
G. Valid driver’s license.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
Apply online at:
https://ks-greatbend.civicplushrms.com/careers/
Please include cover letter and resume. Questions and additional documents can be sent to zoocurator@greatbendks.net