Facility
Austin Zoo, Austin, Texas
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The position requires a dedicated individual who will take direction from the Curator and/or Director in carrying out daily animal husbandry, exhibit and holding are management and keeper chats/encounters as scheduled. Keeper I will be trained through all areas of the zoo except Primates and Large Cats. Candidate would be eligible to train through Primates and Large Cats once they reach Keeper II status.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
* All aspects of Animal Husbandry including but not limited to cleaning, feeding, medicating, enrichment, training, handling/restraint. etc.
* Keeper chats/encounters as scheduled. Public media as requested by Curator/Director.
* Maintains records pertaining to feeding, water quality analysis, behavioral observation, training activities, medical procedures, etc.
* Cooperates with Animal Health staff for animal health issues, treatments, veterinary procedures, transfers and caring.
* Reports facility needs to Curator/Director in a timely way.
* Adherence to area specific standard operating procedures (SOP’s) including safety.
* Must be able to maintain discretion with confidential information.
* Good knowledge of species-specific enrichment and training protocols.
* Other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
* In good health and capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
* No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work.
* Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop.
*No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
* Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and be able to move up to 100lbs.
* Immuno-competence (possible exposure to zoonotic infections/disease).
* Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
* Proof of rabies vaccination preferred.
Education and Pre-requisites
* Bachelor’s Degree in biology or a related field is required with specific knowledge of animal husbandry and behavioral conditioning.
* 1-3 years of paid experience working with exotic animals.
* A valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
* Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include weekends and/or evenings and holidays.
* Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis.
* Knowledge of Word Processing and Spreadsheet software.
* Must have good written and oral communication skills.
* Ability to perform all husbandry tasks for all species with the facility.
Compensation and benefits
Starting pay for Apprentice/Keeper I is $15.00, and will be based upon experience. After the 90-day probation period, regular full-time employees are eligible for health insurance dollars received each month. Austin Zoo has an accident plan for accidental work-related on-the-job injuries. Accrual of vacation and sick days weekly may be used after the 90-day probation period. Employees are paid weekly.
Application instructions
Please reply with cover letter and resume to info@austinzoo.org