Facility
El Paso Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under general supervision, manages, organizes and maintains zoo animal records and other related documents required for animal management, etc. Under general supervision, maintain current animal related permits and licenses, submits annual reports as applicable, submits applications as needed, etc.
TYPICAL DUTIES:
Manage and maintain archived animal documents and records of all types. Involves: On a regular basis, ensure appropriate backup and storage of animal related records. Maintain files of all documents related to animal transactions (loans agreements, contracts, permits, etc.). Monitor and report the status of animals out on loan to others and those in on loan from others. Assist veterinary staff in the maintenance of animal medical records by entering medical data into computerized medical records system, ensuring well organized and complete hard copies of animal medical records, and coordinating medical record transfers during animal transactions. Provide synchronization of animal management and medical records systems through periodic data transfers from computerized animal management records system to the computerized medical records system. Prepare reports on animal collection activity and management. Use International Species Information System software and web based animal records to ensure the acquisition of the most appropriate individual animals for exhibition and possibly for reproduction. Ensure high priority current and historic El Paso Zoo data is revised, corrected and data entered into related software application system. Update and distribute the animal inventory Exhibit Summary documents on a monthly basis.
Maintain a complete and accurate inventory of the zoo’s animal collection. Involves: Provide a complete inventory and record of all animal transactions, via hardcopy and computerized records that are kept current on a daily basis. Record daily animal transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, animal behavior, reproductive and medical notes. Assist with Zoo permits, licenses, etc. and in the reporting of annual permit/license reports, and the process to procure and maintain required Federal, State, and Local Government permits necessary for the exhibition, maintenance, reproduction, acquisition, disposition and transport of wildlife in accordance with regulations.
Review current animal records related procedures and management system suggest improvements, and implement approved changes in concordance with the Animal Curator and/or the Zoo Veterinarian. Develop and help to implement new internal and external quality control measures to ensure the quality of institutional animal records data. Work with all animal care and veterinary care staff through education/training programs and regular contact to improve animal records accuracy and to find and correct discrepancies.
Participate in the development and implementation of conservation projects in accordance with goals established by the institution. Assist in the zoo’s participation in Taxon Advisory Groups, Species Survival Plans, Population Management Plans, and Regional and International Studbooks by maintaining appropriate levels of timely interaction with these cooperative management and conservation groups. Respond in a timely manner to requests for information from other animal related facilities and individuals.
Function as the primary liaison between the zoo and International Species Information System. On a regular basis, submit data to Information system and use information acquired to ensure the most accurate animal records possible. Function as the primary contact person between the zoo and other animal related organizations/institutions, as well as other zoo sections on matters of animal records and related issues. Provide institutional animal records data for cooperative and conservation group reports, questionnaires, surveys and updates, appropriate staff members. Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the Animal Curator and Zoo Veterinarians.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Application of good knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of zoo animal records management.
• Application of skills enabling consistent techniques of data input in a careful, complete, concise and accurate manner.
• Ability to recognize and resolve animal information anomalies, mistakes and omissions.
• Application of good knowledge of computer hardware, software and peripherals (Microsoft Office).
• Ability to learn and apply knowledge of animal records software (ARKS, MedARKS, ISIS and ZIMS).
• Application of good knowledge of proper English, grammar and writing methods and techniques.
• Ability to apply knowledge of animal science, exotic animal species, conservation issues, and safety precautions.
• Application of some knowledge of zoological nomenclature and medical terminology.
• Ability to apply knowledge of the laws regulating animal acquisition, disposition, exhibition, husbandry standards, and transportation within the U.S. and abroad is desirable.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to collect and collate information from a variety of sources into concise and accurate reports.
• Clear concise oral and written communication skills.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, particularly with the Animal Curator and the Veterinarian and other zoological institution registrars or liaisons.
OTHER JOB CHARACTERISTICS:
• Mobility in a zoo environment.
• Necessary Values: Integrity – must emulate the highest standards of honesty and integrity in the management of animal transactions, records and information. Accuracy – must strive for the highest standards of quality achievable. Respect – treat both people and animals with the utmost respect.
Education and Pre-requisites
A High School diploma or GED supplemented by 15 college credit hours in biology, medical or veterinarian terminology and technology or science, zoology or related field and three (3) years of internet and software based information management experience.
Licenses and Certificates: None
Compensation and benefits
Salary: $15.81 Hourly
Application instructions
Note: Recruitment will begin on July 16, 2015. 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.