Facility
Plumpton Park Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Plumpton Park Zoo is in Rising Sun, Maryland and is looking for hardworking, self-motivated, dedicated animal care staff. Currently the park is operating on approximately 25 acres and is expanding with several new exhibits this year as well as plans for a big new cat expansion. Plumpton Park Zoo prides itself on providing interactive, educational, and hands-on experiences for its guests and being stewards for the animals in our care. If you like a fast paced, growth mindset setting come join our team!
Plumpton Park Zoo is seeking candidates to join the animal care team. Under direct supervision, the individual in this position is responsible for a wide variety of tasks involving the husbandry of the area species including but not limited to primates, small mammals, birds, reptiles and hoofstock, the daily upkeep of keeper and public areas, and interactions with park guests. The individual must be able to carry out the position’s duties as described below, with or without reasonable accommodations, and comply with park policies and procedures as they appear in the animal care protocols. The individual must also be of sufficient health to carry out these duties daily without presenting a danger to his/herself or fellow park employees or guests.
Skills and duties: required of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Provide quality guest experience, and maintain professional working relations with park guests, fellow employees, volunteers, and interns.
• Provide for the care and welfare (husbandry) of assigned animals in the department, such as following prescribed diets and feeding procedures and protocols.
• Cleaning/disinfecting of animal enclosures, holding areas, keeper space, common use space, and the public area surrounding it within Park, USDA and ZAA guidelines.
• Includes upkeep of plant collection as well as minor repairs to exhibits/holding areas, if necessary.
• Observe animals in the department daily for reproductive behavior, abnormal behavior, or potential health problems, reporting these to the supervisor(s).
• Prepare, distribute, and keep records of animal enrichment
• Train animals using positive reinforcement
• Maintain daily reports: i.e. medical, reproductive, dietary, and work orders in Animal Care Software.
• Aid veterinary staff when necessary
• Make presentations (keeper chats), or host animal encounters for park guests
• Observe and report all facility or safety problems to the supervisor.
• Any other duties as requested by the senior management.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications:
• Four-year college degree in animal sciences, biology, zoology or equivalent.
• Six months to one year of experience working with animals in some capacity. Examples include working with animals at veterinary clinics, pet stores, on farms, or as an intern or volunteer at a zoo.
• Excellent public speaking and customer service skills.
• Communicate effectively in English (oral and written), follow oral and written instructions, and use a two-way radio.
• Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license
• Vehicle operation is required- use of ATVS, Golf Carts etc… will be necessary.
• Physically able to work in extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions; walking, standing, lifting, and carrying up to 50-75 pounds, performing tasks in an environment that requires repeatedly stooping, bending, and climbing.
• Ability to work long hours, weekends, weekdays, and holidays
• Use disinfectants, cleansers, and work around dusty enclosures/storage areas.
• Use common hand, power, and yard tools while working from the ground or on a ladder in a safe manner, if necessary.
Compensation and benefits
Entry level position starts at $13/hr.
Health Insurance offered to full time employees after a 90-day probation.
Housing is available. One spot available for the right candidate.
Application instructions
Please send resume to the Zoo Director via email. cheryl.ppz@gmail.com
Please put in the subject line “Zookeeper Position”