Facility
El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under general supervision, perform duties to support and document health care and feeding of zoo animals.
TYPICAL DUTIES:
Assist veterinary staff with healthcare of all zoo animals. Involves: Take vital signs. Perform routine medical treatments including give medicine, trim nails and beaks, give vaccinations, and clean and bandage wounds. Take and process x-rays. Draw blood from all species of animals. Dispense prescriptions. Conduct fecal sample analysis. Perform lab tests and send out for diagnosis. Set up and assist in surgery. Perform necropsies of small mammals, fish, avian, and reptiles. Report information to pathologist, pack and mail specimens.
Assist with quarantine and animal husbandry. Involves: Set up enclosures for specific species. Research diets and prepares for arrival. Prepare temporary diet card for special diet items. Feed, clean and observe animals. Ensure quarantine animals are in good health. Disinfect animal enclosure after animal departure. Collect fecal samples. Give medication as required. Keep accurate records of consumption and temperature.
Perform maintenance and record keeping duties for zoo. Involves: Clean and disinfect exam and treatment rooms, surgery and scrub rooms, laboratory, pharmacy, x-ray and quarantine areas. Sterilize surgical instruments, drapes and equipment. Receive, log, tag and store medical equipment, supplies and medications. Establish and maintain animal medical files. Input data into computerized program. Contact other zoos, laboratories and research facilities for medical information. Keep logs of consumption, medical treatment, parasitology, observation and other necessary data. Answer questions about the zoo as needed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Application of good knowledge of exotic zoo animal health care.
Application of good knowledge of handling and feeding of zoo animals.
Application of some knowledge of laboratory methods and techniques.
Application of some knowledge of quarantine and safety principles and methods.
Application of some knowledge of sterilization processes.
Prepare and feed animals regular and special diet foods.
Perform assigned routine veterinary procedures.
Maintain accurate logs and records of animal care and observation.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, officials, customer departments, contractors, regulatory agencies and the general public.
OTHER JOB CHARACTERISTICS:
Requires mobility within a zoo environment.
Works around a variety of animal species with potential for physical harm from bites, kicks, heavy lifting, surgical instruments, etc.
Exposure to infectious diseases from daily contact with exotic and domestic animals including bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral pathogens.
Exposure to extreme weather conditions during animal emergencies.
Exposure to hazardous chemicals including anesthetic gases, pesticides, toxic and lethal drugs.
Driving through zoo grounds and occasionally in City traffic.
Education and Pre-requisites
Education and Experience: A High School diploma or GED, and one (1) year animal health care experience under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Licenses and Certificates: Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or equivalent from another state.
Compensation and benefits
$30,230.00 – $51,950.00 Annually
Application instructions
Interested candidates should complete an application online through the City of El Paso website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/elpaso