Facility
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Responsibilities/ Duties:
• Observes the animals (e.g. mammals, birds, reptiles, aquatic life, etc.), for disease, injuries, unusual behavior, pregnancy, etc.; and reports observations to assigned Lead Keeper or assistant curator.
• Requests, stores, prepares and distributes animal food and water in a timely manner, grooms animals as directed.
• Maintains and cleans in and around habitat and exhibit quarters, kitchen area, and public space surrounding the exhibits etc.,
• Participates in Pest Management Program by setting traps, distributing bait, applying insecticide as directed and recording all activities in the Pest Control Log.
• Checks locks on cages and inspects animal exhibit and habitat perimeters for security and structural integrity.
• (Removed Pest Control as written)
• Monitors life support systems (e.g. filtration water systems, water circulation systems, etc.), maintains appropriate environmental conditions;
• Makes minor repairs and/or refers for permanent repairs
• Assists veterinarian and technicians in animal examination and treatment; performs prescribed medical treatments and procedures;
• Provides regular enrichment as scheduled and helps assemble enrichment devices. Documents enrichment on the Daily Report Sheet
• Participates in animal training; documenting training sessions on the Daily Report Sheet.
• May assist in research study procedures and in the collection of data and preparation of reports;
• Documents feeding, breeding, health, enrichment, training and animal inventory records in the required formats; prepares reports as requested or required;
• Assists in chemical or physical restraint of animals and assists in transferring and transporting; may pick up and deliver animals as requested or required;
• Answers questions and conducts tours for educational programs and the general public, gives direction as needed and polices the grounds.
• Participates in staff training programs at the zoo or at remote locations.
• Attends professional conferences and prepares and delivers professional papers or articles.
• May assist in providing training to staff or volunteers as requested,
• Assists the Lead Keeper and/or Curatorial personnel in exhibit preparation and horticultural staff with planting exhibits;
• Assists in the crating and transporting of animals to other Institutions. Completes Animal Data Transfer paperwork to accompany shipment.
• Monitors and collects biological specimens;
Other Functions:
• Performs work in accordance with AZA and USDA wildlife regulations; may make water tests and regulate temperatures, etc.; performs activities and functions of related lower-level personnel and other related tasks and duties that are assigned or required.
• Performs other related duties as required.
Performance Factors:
1. Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time and is seldom absent from work. Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.
2. Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Zoological Society.
3. Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Zoological Society. Exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others, and works to maintain constructive working relationships.
4. Provides excellent customer service in the areas of guest relations and park beautification:
• Answers visitor inquiries or finds someone who can;
• Is knowledgeable of location of exhibits, restrooms, concessions, rentals, etc.
• Disposes of litter and waste throughout the park and zoo facilities.
Education and Pre-requisites
Education/Experience/Knowledge/Skills:
Bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology, chemistry, or related field and 1 year professional experience working with exotic or domestic animals; or an associate’s degree in the related sciences and 2 years of professional exotic or domestic animal experience. In lieu of either degree, an additional two years may be substituted to equal a total of 7 years exotic animal experience. Animal experience related to the area that the position will be assigned will take priority. Valid driver’s license is required.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to lift 50 lbs. chest height; as well as perform a host of physical activities on a daily basis. Some of these requirements include walking, stooping, pushing, pulling, climbing, grasping, bending, crawling, carrying, handling dexterity, etc. The work performed is physical and demanding and also involves working outdoors in adverse weather conditions. Must be available to work all shifts, nights, weekends and holidays; minimal travel may be required.
Staff working with animals are required to be rabies and Covid 19 vaccinated prior to hire.
Compensation and benefits
Zoological Society of Pittsburgh
Benefits Summary for Full-Time Collective Bargaining Employees
The following benefits are available upon hire:
• Free parking
• Discounts on food and gift shop purchases
• Discount rates on education classes and programs
• Life Insurance and AD&D insurance of 1 times annual salary up to $66,000 with accelerated death benefit– Spouse insurance-$5,000 – Children-$2500
• Voluntary term life insurance for employee, spouse and dependent children
• Omega Federal Credit Union
• Group discount rate on VIP Pet insurance
• AFLAC supplemental insurance plans
• Direct deposit of bi-weekly paycheck (up to three accounts)
• Holiday Pay for eleven (11) annual observed holidays
• Bereavement leave for immediate family member
• Leave time for jury duty
• Leave time for military duty
• Participation in 403B retirement saving plan (voluntary), quarterly enrollments
The following benefits are effective after 90 days:
• Health, dental and vision insurance with employee contribution
• Participate in health insurance waiver program ($$)
• Short term disability insurance-66 2/3% of weekly income up to $1000
• Long term disability insurance-60% of monthly income up to $2500
• ½ personal day for each full month worked
• Participation in Laborers Combined Funds of W. PA retirement plan
• Uniform allowance participation
The following benefits are effective after six (6) months:
• Personal Leave
Compensation is based on the collective bargaining agreement effective January 2022 – 2024.
The following benefit is effective after one year of employment and subsequently on January 1st of each year:
• Two (2) weeks of paid vacation
• Vacation time will increase based on service and max at four (4) weeks
Application instructions
Email resumes to hr@pittsburghzoo.org