Facility
Ellen Trout Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
New Position! The Ellen Trout Zoo has an opening for a new Keeper position that will be working with a variety of taxa including rhinos, giraffes, felids, hornbills, raptors, waterfowl and hoofstock. The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out all aspects of daily animal care and husbandry.
In this challenging time of the pandemic, we have maintained job stability for our staff, reopened our primary herpetological building with a newly remodeled area and moved several birds into new, larger exhibits. Our institution emphasizes excellence in veterinary care, conservation programs, animal welfare and community involvement.
Qualities and job duties include but are not limited to:
• Responsible for the daily observation of animal health and welfare.
• Write 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.
• 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.
• Physical aspects of the job include: standing, stooping, sitting, twisting, walking, lifting logs, rocks, hay bales, and feed bags.
• Perform minor repairs and improvements.
• Maintain and inspect area of responsibility to meet AZA and USDA standards.
• Assist with husbandry and veterinary procedures.
• Carry out duties and tasks as assigned by supervisor.
• Provide support to our Educators by doing occasional talks and working with / mentoring students in the summer Jr. Zookeeper program.
A strong work ethic, personal accountability, enthusiasm, an eye for excellence and the ability to work as part of a team and independently are essential qualities. 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.
The Ellen Trout Zoo is located in the heart of the Pineywoods of East Texas (Texas Forest Country). Surrounded by forests and lakes with opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and enjoying nature. Experience the lower cost of living and reduced traffic of a small city.
Education and Pre-requisites
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.
Compensation and benefits
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 position is non-exempt for overtime.
The starting salary is $30,790.24 annually.
Excellent benefits package. See more information about City of Lufkin employee benefits at https://cityoflufkin.com/services/employee_benefits.php
Application instructions
Submit the following 3 documents: resume, cover letter, and completed application. Apply online at https://col-it-test.formstack.com/forms/application. The position is listed as ELLEN TROUT ZOO – Zoo Keeper. Please also upload your cover/letter resume or email them separately to ljohnson@cityoflufkin.com.
Candidates must be able to be present for on-site interviews.