Facility

Utah’s Hogle Zoo

Closing Date

Description

OSITION SUMMARY

Performs daily care of exotic and/or domestic animals to include amphibians, venomous reptiles and crocodilians, cleaning and maintaining guest areas, service areas, holding areas and exhibit areas. Maintains extensive animal records relating to health, diet, behavior and overall welfare. Supports Utah’s Hogle Zoo’s conservation efforts. Hourly position.

At the zoo we look for employees who are passionate about conservation, who approach their daily work with a can do attitude, who are resourceful, who communicate respectfully with everyone, and are ready to work hard to support the zoo towards its mission.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

This position reports directly to the assigned Curator and Lead Keeper.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Effectively monitor health, behavior and overall welfare of assigned resident animals and communicate changes to the area lead, curator and/or veterinary staff.  Oversee and administer medications as prescribed.

Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of assigned resident animals including training, enrichment, research, and education.

Maintain extensive animal records.

Clean and maintain holding and exhibit areas consistent with established professional standards.

Coordinate area schedule of husbandry and building maintenance tasks.

Develop, revise and update area protocols and check lists in a timely manner.

Ensure compliance with USDA regulations as required.

Develop and coordinate animal enrichment, training and related schedules.

Ensure inspection of exhibits and surrounding areas – follow up on written requests for needed repairs, upgrades or attention.

Actively support and implement area policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the assigned resident animals and the safety of staff and guests.

Maintains knowledge and competency in current professional animal practices.

Positively promote and foster a work environment that improves department function and productivity.

Oversee activities of assigned area Animal Care interns and volunteers.

Must be dependable and willing to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays.

Demonstrate the ability to perform a variety of jobs and flexibility in working in a variety of areas.

Train fellow keepers, volunteers and interns.

Knowledge and responsibility for hand tools, vehicles, and equipment.

Make minor repairs to exhibits and enrichment devices.

Assist with tours and educate guests, donors, and staff.

Commitment to the zoo’s mission.

Ability and willingness to work over-time as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Maintains strict confidentiality.

Willingness to participate in conservation field research.

Education and Pre-requisites

Education and Experience

GED or High School Diploma is required and a minimum of 5 years of paid experience in the management of reptiles to include venomous and crocodilians. Associates or Bachelor’s degree in related field is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This list contains knowledge, skills, and abilities that are typically associated with the job. It is not all-inclusive and may vary from position to position:

Required technical skills include the knowledge and ability of:

Computer operations and technical software applications.

Microsoft Office Suite.

Required mathematical skills include working knowledge of:

Mathematical concepts and logic.

Performs basic mathematical formulas and calculations.

Required animal care skills include working knowledge of:

Complete behavioral management training and utilize operant conditioning and enrichment techniques within first 90 days.

Animals’ natural behavior and husbandry practices.

Animal welfare standards and UHZ’s methods of assessment.

USDA regulations.

Ongoing participation in behavioral husbandry (enrichment and training) concept, technique and application.

AZA standards.

Must possess excellent communications skills:

Interpersonal conflict resolution method.

Editing and proofreading.

Effectively promote organization and services offered.

Interpersonal communication.

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Interpersonal conflict resolution method.

Editing and proofreading.

Effectively promote organization and services offered.

Interact with courtesy and respect to staff, volunteers, and guests.

Must have the ability to:

Be an effective team player.

Maintain current certification in the use of a fire extinguisher.

Knowledge and the ability to use bear spray.

Accept constructive feedback.

Learn new tasks.

Follow written and verbal instructions.

Apply critical thinking techniques. Analyze and solve problems.

Prioritize work.

Ability to manage time effectively and minimize the use of overtime.

Perform within deadlines.

Ability to stay focused despite interruptions.

Deal with stress caused by deadlines.

Work well in a team environment as well as independently.

Memory for details.

The incumbent must always demonstrate judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent with the values of the Hogle Zoo.

Work Environment

Incumbent performs in an outdoor environment, exposure to the seasonal elements, dust, and allergens for prolonged periods of time. Tasks require a variety of physical activities, which generally involve muscular strain. Eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions. Must be able to listen and respond to a handheld radio. Ability to stoop, bend, twist, turn, climb, jump, run when necessary, and move quickly to avoid dangerous situations. Must be able to walk on wet and uneven surfaces. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted and 75 lbs. with assistance. Must be able to push and pull up to 53 lbs. A valid driver’s license is required. Provide a negative TB test prior to hire date and maintain TB testing through course of employment.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

Apply online at: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=8466ea70-0d62-4447-aa78-ae0276dc27bc&ccId=19000101_000001&type=MP&lang=en_US