Facility
Zoo Boise
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Cares for dietary, health and environmental needs of native and exotic animals at Zoo Boise. Maintains exhibits and assists with transportation of animals. Interacts with the public and provides information regarding animals and Zoo activities and events. Works independently under general supervision.
This position will be Part-Time working 24 hours a week until April 1, 2019 when it will turn into Full Time.
Essential Functions
Ensures animal health and safety by making regular observations and inspections of cages, facilities, and animal behavior. Creates and maintains records such as animal descriptions, sex, diet, and behavioral characteristics. Investigates cases of unusual animal behavior, and reports behavior to veterinarian. Prepares food for animals with regards to species, natural eating behavior and foods, special diets or circumstances, and recommended frequency. Takes direction from veterinarian to administer required medications. Performs cleaning duties in and around cages, zoo grounds, and as directed.
Creates and provides enrichment opportunities for animals such as scent manipulation, puzzle feeders, altering design and layout of cages, and related items to engage animals, as well as to prevent irritation and stress. Trains animals to exhibit specific behaviors.
Conducts various presentations, tours, and classes for groups, individuals, and related public events. Creates educational activities for schools and classes. Interacts with the general public and answers questions regarding animals, zoo activities, and upcoming events.
Works on projects throughout zoo facilities. Builds, adjusts, and repairs animal exhibits. Performs various facility maintenance tasks such as cleaning, changing light bulbs, landscaping and lawn maintenance, hauling bark, minor repairs, and unloading animal food stuffs. Follows a specific routine for certain tasks.
Assists with veterinarian procedures. Transports animals of all sizes to locations throughout the zoo. Builds transport crates specific to animal sizes and specifications. Attends various zoo specific trainings such as animal escape procedures, safety procedures, new animal orientations, etc, and ensures compliance with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation, and USDA standards. Receives training in the proper use of blow and dart guns, shotguns, immobilizing drugs, control poles, and squeeze cages.
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
Education and Pre-requisites
Two years experience working with small to large non-domestic animals in a similar zoo facility or farm environment, and a high school diploma or GED.
Working knowledge of environmental, health, and dietary needs of animals; animal restraint and capture techniques; basic facility maintenance; typical behaviors of a variety of animals; zoo operations; public relations techniques.
Ability to make exhibit repairs while ensuring safety of coworkers and general public; operate hand and power tools; properly feed, care for, and handle a wide variety of animals; make presentations to a variety of groups; utilize guns and related emergency equipment in the event of an escaped animal;display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of City employees, the general public and other organizations; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations; maintain prompt and regular attendance; and perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Three years experience working with large animals in an AZA accredited zoo with extensive experience building animal containment areas and a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Licensing And Other Requirements
Valid Idaho driver’s license.
Special Requirements
All applicants must be able to successfully pass City of Boise background check processes which include reference checks and criminal history checks.
Applicants must be able to pass, or have:
Driving Record Check
Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post – Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
Compensation and benefits
See Complete Job Description
Application instructions
No Phone Calls Please. All applications must be submitted through the City of Boise website.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/boiseid/jobs/2190683/zoo-keeper?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs