Facility
Henry Vilas Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Dane County Henry Vilas Zoo is seeking an individual to perform duties necessary to provide animal care to a large and diverse zoological collection with a focus on primates and large carnivores. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: closely monitor animal health and behavior and ensure the care, maintenance and cleaning of zoo exhibits, buildings and grounds. Preference may be given to candidates with a strong understanding of the principles of operant conditioning and experience with animal training.
Purpose: Under supervision, perform duties necessary to ensure the care and maintenance of zoo animals and the cleaning and maintenance of zoo enclosures, buildings and grounds. Provide animal care for a large and diverse zoological collection, closely monitor health and behavior.
Function: Maintains and enriches the environment of zoo animals; observes and evaluates animal behavior, social interactions, feeding and breeding to identify animal health, security and well being; records and reports observations to supervisor; prepares foods and follows established feeding schedules and prescribed diets; cleans animal enclosures and performs basic related animal care duties such as trimming nails, hooves, beaks and fur; directs and controls animals within and between exhibit spaces; assists veterinary staff in the diagnosis and treatment of animals; as directed, draws bodily fluids, takes fecal samples, and administers medications; accurately records and maintains animal health details; recommends changes to improve animal care and work method efficiencies; cleans and disinfects animal habitat spaces; cleans zoo buildings and grounds; performs grounds maintenance duties such as cutting grass, trimming and planting shrubs and snow removal; operates motorized equipment such as small tractors; takes necessary precautions to ensure the safety of workers, animals and the general public; makes minor repairs to exhibit buildings and equipment; picks up, loads and unloads animal food and supplies; communicates, assists and interacts positively with the public; trains, directs, and monitors the work of others as necessary; assists the Maintenance Mechanic and other staff as necessary; works effectively and cooperatively with other Zoo Keepers and management staff.
Education and Pre-requisites
Prerequisites: Requires two (2) years of paid experience in the care and maintenance of zoo specimens at an AZA accredited or related facility within the last three years (i.e., invertebrates, fish, reptiles, mammals, birds and amphibians).
Two years of coursework in zoology or closely related field may be substituted for one year of experience. Other combinations of education, training and/or experience that provide an equivalent background may also be considered. Additional credit will be given for further education in zoology, animal care or closely related field and/or experience.
This position is active for the entire shift(standing, walking, stooping, twisting, lifting, bending, pushing, reaching, climbing, crouching and crawling). Must be able to repeatedly lift up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted and heavier loads with assistance. Must have the ability to use hands and feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling and operating controls and equipment. A valid Wisconsin Driver’s License (or eligibility for) is required. Must be available for work on nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies and perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Dane County may complete a criminal background check on applicants who progress to a certain stage in the application process. Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation: $21.77 Per hour, plus excellent benefits including fully paid health and dental insurance for full time employees, along with contributions towards retirement, and short/long term disability. Additional benefits available include long term care, vision coverage, flex spending account and deferred compensation programs paid in full by the employee.
Application instructions
TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION YOU MUST FOLLOW THE NEXT STEPS FOR THE DANE COUNTY JOB APPLICATION PROCESS: https://jobs.countyofdane.com/
Resumes will not be accepted by the zoo.
1.COMPLETE EACH SECTION OF YOUR CANDIDATE PROFILE ON HOME PAGE.
2.CLICK ON THE POSTING UNDER THE OPEN POSTINGS SECTION. REVIEW THE POSTING AND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POSTING CLICK ONCE ON “CLICK TO CONTINUE APPLICATION PROCESS”
3. DOWNLOAD ANY REQUIRED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS FROM JOBS.COUNTYOFDANE.COM.
COMPLETE THE DOCUMENTS AND SAVE CHANGES ON YOUR COMPUTER.
FINALLY GO TO THE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS SECTION ON YOUR CANDIDATE PROFILE HOME PAGE AND UPLOAD THE COMPLETED DOCUMENTS.
4.COMPLETE ADDITIONAL REQUIRED ASSESSMENTS LISTED UNDER THE “ASSESSMENTS” ON YOUR MAIN CANDIDATE PROFILE HOME PAGE.
5. UNDER THE APPLICATION TAB, CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOUR APPLICATION IS THERE FOR THIS POSTING.