Job Postings

Zookeeper- Ambassador Animals

Facility

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Closing Date
April 21, 2021
Description

This position is responsible for the daily care, feeding and enrichment of animals in the assigned collection or section. Duties include maintaining cleanliness of animal enclosures and ensuring that Zoo policies and protocols are followed consistently. This position will regularly interact with Zoo guests to answer questions, provide animal information, and ensure an excellent guest experience.

This position will primarily be assigned to a specific area, but may be reassigned or requested to work in other sections as needed at the discretion of the Animal Management team.

Essential Functions:
-Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets at designated times; sees that animals have sufficient water that is refreshed regularly throughout each day.
-Implements effective behavioral enrichment for selected animals and establishes a thorough written routine for assigned section.
-Actively observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address observed behaviors.
-Maintains accurate feeding, health, and welfare records of assigned animals.
-Thoroughly cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures, and ensures cleanliness throughout the day. Maintains adequate stock of all section supplies, and reports low inventory levels to manager in a timely manner.
-Exercise good judgement when making decisions that affect our collection.
-Effectively trains animals in designated section according to zoo policies and procedures.
-Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section.
-Assists the Emergency Response team in animal events.
-Actively watches for and immediately reports any vandalism and/or animal welfare issues.
-Crates and moves animals as directed, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.
-Performs special assignments and projects as requested, and assists with other shifts as needed.

Education and Pre-requisites

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:
-Minimum of an Associate’s degree or 60 credits towards a Bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Animal Science, Zoology or other applicable field preferred.
-Minimum one (1) year related experience in a zoological or wildlife facility.
-Twelve units of accredited college or university level course work in animal science, zoology, biology, wildlife management, or related field may be substituted for six (6) months experience.
-Experience with reptile, invertebrate and/or amphibian preferred but not required.
-Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public. Bilingual skills a plus.
-Valid California driver’s license and good driving record, preferred.
-Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements:
These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.

-This position is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel; use hands and arms for care of animals and cleaning of enclosures. Regularly required to climb stairs or ladders.
-The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 75 pounds.
-Evaluating animal health, diet, or environment requires sight, hearing and smell.
-Visual acuity to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal behavior. Color perception is also required.
-Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.

Compensation and benefits

Hourly position, Benefits

Application instructions

Interested Applicants should apply online: www.fresnochaffeezoo.org/careers