Facility
Buttonwood Park Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Daily observation of animals including gathering vital signs and statistics for each animal; correlation of all observations with cumulative knowledge of behavior; and daily, independent implementation of proper zoo management techniques as authorized by the zoo’s administrative staff. A Zoo Caretaker would be the first to recognize any changes in the health of the animals.Inspects all animals under care frequently for motor ability impairment, blood loss or other observed discharges; looks for signs of fighting or stress, sexual behavior, pregnancy, the presence of ectoparasites such as fleas, ticks and mites; the presence of lesions or tumors; abnormal behavior patterns; or other signs of illness.
Reports injuries and illnesses of animals to the Head Zoo Keeper or Director or Zoological Services.Provides thorough, accurate and complete record keeping in daily reports, treatments sheets, feed logs or other records as required by the Head Zoo Keeper or the zoo’s veterinarian.May assist in the diagnosis, subsequent treatment and extended care of sick or injured animals including the administration of medication and physical therapy.
Assists in the capture and restraint of any and all animals for the purpose of diagnosis of illness, administration of medication, confinement for transportation, or the shifting of animals between exhibits.Aids in the design of animal diets through daily observation and analysis of the animals’ food intake and metabolism to determine the diet’s nutritional effectiveness. May do diet research for animals under his/her responsibility.Examines fecal material and urine for signs of abnormal functioning of the digestive tract, the presence of parasite infestation, and the ability to metabolize foodstuffs.
Feeds, waters animals under care; cleans and disinfects food and water dishes. Cleans animal exhibits, pens, cages and barns; disinfects animal areas and cages; cleans buildings and public areas; removes all waste to dumpster.Observes public to prevent undue harassment or injury to animals and insures the safety of the public.Answers questions from the public about animals, making use of acquired knowledge through independent research and in-service training, as well as through practical work experience. May give educational animal demonstrations (both on and off zoo grounds) and zoo tours.
Performs manual work in cleaning, repair, construction and general care of animal exhibits, buildings and grounds to promote the comfort and safety of animals and visitors to the zoo.Performs routine grounds keeping work such as, cutting grass, raking leaves, picking up debris and snow removal within the zoo area.Performs routine maintenance work for the zoo facility; including painting, minor carpentry work; keeps drains unclogged; repairs fencing; patches concrete.Cares for trees, shrubs, plants and flowerbeds on zoo grounds.
May drive motor vehicles to deliver hay or feed to animal areas, to pick up supplies from sources outside zoo grounds, or to transport animals to the veterinary staff or other zoos.May hand rear, handle for gentleness training or participate in training programs for animals under care. (This may include 24 hours a day care in administering specialized feeding schedule and other vital maternal care. This may also be extended on a progressively limited basis, over a period of up to two months, providing for any and all needs of the juvenile animal. Appropriate dietary behavior and habitat research may also be required).Prepares animal diets by reading diet sheets and placing food on appropriate dishes, scrubs and disinfects food preparation area.Directs the activities of new employees, seasonal employees, and volunteers in their responsibilities.
Education and Pre-requisites
Good working knowledge of animal care and feeding practices. Good working knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment used in cleaning and caring for animals, buildings and grounds.Acute observational skills regarding the concepts of normal and abnormal animal behavior, stress, shock, distance, territoriality, and social dominance.Respect, interest and liking for wild animals and their comfort and well-being. Superior skills in handling wild animals. Ability to courteously and tactfully deal with members of the public with regard to situations potentially injurious to the animal collection or the public. Requires six months’ paid experience; or education toward a degree at a recognized school with a major in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Zoo Management or Zoology may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of one year of education for three months of experience. Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and good driving record. Operates a motor vehicle on a regular basis. Must have a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, mandatory by MGL Chapter 6 Sec. 172C.
Compensation and benefits
$13.23 – $18.88hr
Application instructions
For complete job description and application instructions, visit www.newbedford-ma.gov. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. New Bedford has a residency requirement. EEO