Facility

OC Zoo – County of Orange, California

Closing Date

Description

OC Zoo has a current vacancy for a Parks Animal Keeper. The Parks Animal Keeper will work under general direction of the Zoo Director, Zoo Curator and Senior Parks Animal Keepers. This is a professional position, requiring experience and working knowledge of exotic animals and how to take care of them. The Parks Animal Keeper must complete the daily tasks in a timely fashion with minimal supervision, keep detailed daily records, and be proficient in observing animals and their behaviors. The OC Zoo staff members are committed to providing a high-quality operation of animal care and a pleasant visitor experience. The Parks Animal Keeper duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

-Observing and carrying out all basic aspects of the daily care of animals.
-Reporting any observed health or behavioral abnormalities to Zoo Curator and Veterinarian.
-Following all approved operation procedures listed in string duty assignments.
-Maintaining behavioral enrichment programs for assigned animals.
-Participating and developing programs focused on enhancing the guest experience.
-Giving presentations to the general public and engaging with park visitors by discussing animal natural history, natural habitats, the status of animals in the wild, care and feeding of animals, and other topics of interest.
-Preparing accurate and detailed records and logs and maintaining monthly reports.
-Cleaning, maintaining, and conducting repairs to assigned animal habitats.
-Inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining public walks, paths, zoo grounds, plants and animal enclosures.
-Maintaining manuals regarding duties/care of assigned animals.
-Training employees and/or volunteers on proper care of animals, as well as, delegating task as needed.
-Utilizing hand tools, rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, and minor power tools to fix, enhance, clean, and maintain animal habitats and enclosures.
-Assisting veterinarian during visits and administering medications, monitoring injuries and healing when needed.

Education and Pre-requisites

Three (3) years of experience caring for animals in a public/private zoo, wildlife sanctuary, animal breeding facility or related setting and interacting with the public.

Possession of a valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, before date of appointment.

Rabies pre-exposure inoculations will be required as a condition of continued employment in positions having direct contact with or exposure to wildlife and animals commonly found in zoological facilities.

Strength to pull, drag, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds for 50 feet. Strength to handle, restrain, and maneuver large animals, including livestock, from one area to another or into a trailer for transport. Strength to capture, secure, handle and restrain a variety of animal, which may be physically uncooperative and aggressive. Agility to walk, run, physically maneuver oneself to capture and avoid injury by various animals. Ability to stand for extended periods. Body mobility to walk and run on uneven ground, climb stairs, bend, twist, reach, kneel, squat and crawl to catch animals. Manual dexterity to hand write paperwork and use a computer. Vision sufficient to read standard text and fine print, a computer screen, see animals at a distance, determine depth and to distinguish colors and body language. Hear well enough to hear the approach of an animal or sounds emitted by animals.

Compensation and benefits

Salary range: $22.08 – $29.78 per hour

Annual: $45,926.40 – $61,942.40

In addition to the County’s standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays–we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).

Application instructions

Please apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oc. Only online applications will be accepted. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 11:59 pm (PT). Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.