Facility

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Closing Date

Description

Position Summary:
The Hospital/Quarantine Care Keeper is a member of the Animal Health Care Team and is responsible for the daily care of animals in the Tennity Wildlife Hospital and quarantine facilities. The Animal Health Care Team consists of two full-time veterinarians, two full-time veterinary technicians, and one additional Hospital/Quarantine keeper. This position also may include opportunities to assist in the care of animals in the Native Wildlife Conservation Program (NWCP) and observe/participate with the Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians in selected medical procedures.

The individual selected for this position must be a motivated, energetic, and positive team player who is willing to make a significant contribution to the organization. The successful candidate will support TLD in our mission of, “Desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation,” and will help TLD achieve a forward-thinking vision of a modern zoo and inclusive culture.

The Veterinary Care Team:
– Practices high quality medicine and maintains exceptional professional standards.
– Has great enthusiasm for the professions of zoological medicine and wildlife rehabilitation.
– Adheres to the highest animal welfare standards and works as a team.
– Performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that will move TLD into the future.

Essential Duties:
• Deliver uncompromising excellence in animal care, welfare and guest engagement
• Provide husbandry for hospital and quarantine facilities, with a variety of species across all taxonomic classes
• Administer medications to hospitalized animals as directed
• Capture and restrain a variety of species
• Assist in creation and implementation of quarantine entry/exit plans and follow established quarantine protocols
• Prepare/dismantle quarantine areas for incoming/outgoing animals
• Under the guidance of the Animal Care Management, enrich and train animals in hospital/quarantine
• Provide husbandry care for animals in the Native Wildlife Conservation Program as needed
• Assist veterinarians and technicians with animal medical procedures as needed
• Maintain open and timely communication regarding animals in quarantine or the hospital to the Management Team
• Maintain accurate written and electronic records
• Give knowledgeable and engaging hospital tours and talks
• Demonstrate courteous interactions with guests, team members, and volunteers while representing TLD at the highest standard of professionalism
• Possess the ability to work alone with minimal supervision as well as being an effective team member
• Provide assistance to other departments or areas as needed
• Other related responsibilities as necessary to accomplish department objectives
Equipment Used:
• PC computer, general office equipment, telephone, radio, vehicles including medium to heavy equipment, pepper spray (Counter Assault Bear Deterrent), medical equipment, standard capture equipment, small hand-held and power tools

Physical Position Description:
Essential Physical Tasks: Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting (up to 50lbs.).
Typical Working Conditions: Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, and dust/airborne materials. Works with potentially dangerous animals (large ungulates, carnivores, venomous animals).
HOLIDAY WORK: Holiday, Evening and weekend work required. Available on as needed basis for emergencies.
TRAVEL: Occasional conference and workshop attendance available, if funding available. Some or all expenses paid.

Education and Pre-requisites

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• In-depth knowledge of zoo animal husbandry and excellent observational skills
• Ability to work with potentially dangerous animals
• Must be capable of responding to emergencies in a safe and calm manner
• General knowledge of computer software applications
• Good organizational, observational, and active listening skills.
• Creative problem-solving abilities to enhance the welfare of hospitalized or quarantined animals
• Enthusiasm for and experience with animal training and enrichment a plus

Qualifications:
• At least 2 years of zoo or exotic animal care experience.
• Prefer AA, AS or higher degree in Animal Science, Biology, Zoology or other related degree. Will substitute training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities. Generally, one year of paid full-time exotic animal experience substitutes for one year of college level work.
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Must be insurable on The Living Desert’s automobile insurance.

Compensation and benefits

$15.26/hr

Paid Time Off (PTO) is accrued at a rate of .769 days per pay period which is equivalent to twenty (20) days on an annual basis. In addition to PTO you will receive seven (7) paid sick days on an annual basis. Your paid sick time for your first year will be pro-rated from your date of hire and then earned every July 1st thereafter.

The Living Desert offers to its employees: Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance that is either paid in full or significantly subsidized by the organization. We also offer voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance and Flexible Spending Accounts. You are eligible to participate in our insurance programs the first day of the month following thirty days of employment.

We also offer a 401(k) Plan to our eligible employees. You are eligible to participate in this plan after six months of employment here. A one-time annual discretionary match of up to 2% of your annual wages may be available to you on the last day of the fiscal year.

Application instructions

Qualified applicants should send resume, cover letter, and names and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Andrea Goodnight, Head Staff Veterinarian, at agoodnight@livingdesert.org.