Facility
Ellen Trout Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Ellen Trout Zoo is a small but growing and innovative facility located near the major metropolitan areas of East Texas. In the challenging time of the pandemic, one of our priorities has been maintaining job stability for our staff. Our institution emphasizes excellence in veterinary care, conservation programs, animal welfare and community involvement.
This is a working leadership position responsible for the daily management and care of a variety of animals and facilities. The position involves direct animal care, supervision of keepers, adaptability, and an ability to continue learning and developing animal and people management skills. The person in this position must be able to work within the framework of a small municipal zoo.
This position will oversee one of two areas in the Zoo. Key species within these areas include Rhinos, Giraffes, Lions, Tigers, Jaguars, Clouded leopards, Otters, Primates, Flamingos, Parrots, Raptors, Sloths, and a variety of other birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Functions and qualities:
• Implement Zoo priorities
• Help develop, participate in, and promote training and welfare with an emphasis on welfare-based training.
• Guide, train, motivate, and support staff, interns, and volunteers
• Demonstrate initiative and expertise by problem solving and finding ways to make improvements.
• Maintain accurate records
• Maintain clean and organized animal enclosures, equipment, and keeper areas.
• Ensure safe work practices and high husbandry standards.
• Observation of animal health and welfare.
• Preparation of animal diets, feeding and watering according to an established schedule. Clean, disinfect and sanitize water and food dishes.
• Maintain on and off exhibit aesthetics (planters, yards, perches, other exhibit “furniture”, etc.). Maintain live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics for visitors and provide a comfortable habitat for animals.
• Maintain and inspect area of responsibility to meet AZA and USDA standards.
• Physical aspects of the job include: lifting logs, rocks, hay bales, and feed bags.
• Perform minor repairs and improvements to enclosures.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills. Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with diverse groups.
• Assist with husbandry and veterinary procedures.
• Keep the curator informed and carry out duties and tasks as assigned.
• Basic computer proficiency: Word, Excel, Outlook, ZIMS
• This position requires an energetic, self-motivated person that works well within a team atmosphere and independently.
• Support the guest experience
• Provide support to our Educators by doing occasional talks and working with / mentoring students in the summer Jr. Zookeeper program.
This job entails a melding of manual labor and mental know-how / expertise, resulting in visible, professional accomplishments in which employees may take pride.
Education and Pre-requisites
The position requires: Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or related field; a minimum of three years of progressively responsible paid experience in a professional zoological institution; good physical condition, and the ability to work both independently and with other employees. Will consider an equivalent combination of education and experience to provide the desired degree of proficiency.
Must present a positive professional image of the City of Lufkin and the Zoo to members of the public.
Compensation and benefits
This position is an essential service position, and will be required to provide services during emergency situations. This is a full-time position with excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth and development. The position involves working on weekends and holidays. Starting salary is $35,679.32 annually. This position is exempt for overtime. Employees are required to contribute 7% (pre-tax) to the retirement fund through payroll deduction.
Application instructions
Submit the following 3 documents: resume, cover letter, and completed application. Applications are available for download at http://cityoflufkin.com/hr/jobs.htm. Mail or fax these 3 documents to Human Resources Department at Lufkin City Hall, 300 E. Shepherd Suite 226, Lufkin, TX 75901. FAX: 936-633-0408. Please include your email address if you have one to facilitate correspondence. Candidates must be able to be present for on site interviews.