Facility

City of El Paso

Closing Date

Description

GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under general supervision, lead the work of zoo keepers and participate in the care of zoo animals.

TYPICAL DUTIES:
Oversee and provide for the care of zoo animals. Involves: Prepare regular and special diets to feed animals. Feed and water animals. Clean, disinfect and maintain cages, enclosures and exhibit areas as needed. Maintain safety of animals. Monitor animal health and well-being. Report animal illness or injury to appropriate staff. Assist veterinary staff as needed with administering medications, providing treatment and restraining. Provide care for animals by trimming beaks, nails and wing feathers, providing moisture for turtles, reptiles, birds, etc., shearing sheep, weighing animals and other care services as needed. Record animal information such as temperature and consumption to charts. Perform special projects and activities as assigned.

Assist with behavior modification and enrichment programs for animals. Involves: Assist with design of behavior modification and enrichment programs. Utilize system of rewards to condition animal to do things on command. Provide animal with things to play with to relieve stress and boredom. Provide exercise for animals as needed.

Provide assistance to other zoo staff and to the public. Involves: Identify maintenance problems and resolve or report as necessary. Prepare work orders for maintenance. Assist with grounds and landscaping maintenance and construction. Test water quality in aquatic exhibits. Answer questions from other staff and the public regarding zoo animals, exhibits and related.

Serve as designated lead worker. Involves: Guide, monitor and train less knowledgeable employees. Schedule and assign work. Review and check work. Guide others in work processes. Recommend areas for employee skills improvement. Provide input to employee performance evaluation process.

Education and Pre-requisites

A High School diploma or GED, and two (2) years of zoo keeper experience.

Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or equivalent from another state.

Compensation and benefits

Salary: $13.29 hourly

Benefits
Insurance, Pension Plan, Paid Time off (vacation and sick days), Paid Holidays – 9 days, Tuition Assistance Program.

Application instructions

Interested applicants must go to www.elpasotexas.gov to apply. Applications are only accepted online. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. This position will close once a preset number of qualified applications have been received.