Facility

Ellen Trout Zoo

Closing Date

Description

Welcome to Ellen Trout Zoo! We are a small but growing and innovative facility located near the major metropolitan areas of East Texas. In this challenging time of the pandemic, we have maintained job stability for our staff. Our institution emphasizes excellence in veterinary care, conservation programs, animal welfare and community involvement. We have just reopened out primary herpetological building with a newly remodeled area.

We are looking for an individual to be responsible for carrying out all aspects of daily animal care and husbandry for a diverse collection of animals. The immediate position involves working with crocodilians, venomous snakes, lizards, turtles/tortoises, invertebrates, amphibians and some birds and mammals. The successful candidate will need to maintain and develop a broad knowledge base on the proper husbandry of amphibians and reptiles.

A strong work ethic, personal accountability, enthusiasm, and eye for excellence are required. Must be flexible and adaptable to working within the framework of a small zoo. Must have a respect for animals, professional attitude about the work and about working as a member of the zoo team for the benefit of the animals.

Education and Pre-requisites

• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Responsible for the daily observation of animal health and welfare.
• Maintain daily reports, logs, veterinary records, and other records as assigned.
• Preparation of animal diets, feeding and watering according to an established schedule. Clean, disinfect and sanitize water and food dishes.
• Clean and disinfect animal enclosures, holding areas, and exhibit features; drain and clean pools; collect and dispose of refuse.
• Maintain on and off exhibit aesthetics (plants, exhibit “furniture”, windows, etc.). Maintain live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics for visitors and provide a comfortable habitat for animals.
• Maintain clean and organized animal enclosures, equipment, and keeper areas.
• Maintain water quality through filtration, appropriate chemicals, and sanitation methods for aquatic and semi-aquatic animals.
• Physical aspects of the job include: standing, stooping, sitting, twisting, walking, lifting logs, rocks, hay bales, and feed bags.
• Perform minor repairs and improvements to enclosures.
• Maintain and inspect area of responsibility to meet AZA and USDA standards.
• Report births, deaths, injuries and/or abnormal behavior of animals to supervisor.
• Assist with husbandry and veterinary procedures.
• Carry out duties and tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Position requires Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Science or a combination of education and experience to provide the desired level of proficiency; good physical condition; ability to present a positive professional image of the City of Lufkin and the Zoo to members of the public. This is a full-time position with excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth and development. The position involves working on weekends and holidays. Employees are required to contribute 7% (pre-tax) to the retirement fund through payroll deduction.

The starting salary is $28,469.92 annually.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

To be considered, you must submit all of the following 3 documents: resume, cover letter, and completed application. Applications are available for download at http://cityoflufkin.com/hr/jobs.htm. Mail these 3 documents to Human Resources Department at Lufkin City Hall, 300 E. Shepherd Suite 226, Lufkin, TX 75901 or fax them to 936-633-0408. Please include your email address if you have one to facilitate correspondence. Candidates must be able to be present for onsite interviews.