Facility

Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens

Closing Date

Description

JOB DUTIES: Under general supervision; to clean, maintain, and improve animal enclosures, service areas and surrounds; to operate and maintain animal life support systems and facilities; to operate equipment and mechanical systems associated with animal husbandry; to transmit two-way radio calls; to provide information to the public; to assist in the preparation of enclosures for animals; to adhere to Zoo safety and security programs; to design and plan animal facilities; to identify supply, equipment and maintenance needs for animal facilities; to assist in pest control; to care for and handle zoo animals; to order and prepare prescribed animal diets; to present food in the proper manner and adhere to proper feeding schedule ; to observe animal behavior and report changes in feeding habits, diet, breeding behavior, health status, physical conditions, and abnormalities; to establish and maintain electronic communication between staffs; to complete and maintain required written records; to perform animal research, conservation, training and enrichment programs; to perform educational programs and give formal and informal presentations to the public; to provide personnel training programs; and to perform such other duties as may be assigned. Work hours are on-call for emergencies and include rotating shift, weekends, and holidays.

Education and Pre-requisites

EXPERIENCE: The equivalent of two (2) full-time years in the care and handling of fishes, reptiles, and/or amphibians, OR one (1) year in the care and handling of fishes, reptiles, and/or amphibians at a zoo or aquarium, within the last five (5) years is required. Additional experience with a variety of non-domestic animals, wildlife care or management, zookeeping, and other animal-related activities is preferred. Experience with computers is desirable.
EDUCATION: Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent required; college or university coursework in zoology or closely related field preferred; certifications, licenses, workshops, seminars, conferences and/or other courses applicable to fishes, reptiles, and amphibians management or care desirable.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the characteristics, diet, husbandry requirements and habits of wild and domestic animals, including invertebrates, fish, amphibians and reptiles; knowledge of animal training techniques and appropriate enrichment; skill in safely and effectively handling and caring for a variety of animals; working in a safe manner; identifying work to be done and initiative to complete it. Ability to visualize and recognize subtle animal behaviors and abnormalities; physically restrain a wide variety of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals; climb ladders; work in restricted spaces with difficult access; lift up to 75 pounds repeatedly; hear alarms, animal sounds, and coworkers; communicate effectively verbally, in writing and electronically; generate accurate records in writing and electronically; comprehend written and oral instructions and information; accurately receive and transmit two-way radio calls; operate equipment and mechanical systems associated with animal husbandry; perform basic math computations; take appropriate prompt and decisive action in emergencies; present a positive image to the public; comprehend written and oral instructions and information; and work cooperatively, harmoniously and effectively with others.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid Wisconsin Class D Driver’s License required if assigned as a Nightkeeper. SCUBA certification is required within six months of employment.

Compensation and benefits

Annual Salary Range: $36,449 To $40,775
Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefits package.
The Zoo promotes professional development of front-line staff, and offers support for participation in conferences, workshops, seminars, and conservation and research programs.

Application instructions

AN ON LINE APPLICATION, may be filed, COMPLETELY FILLED IN at www.jobs.milwaukeecounty.org , by 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2014. APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION. Candidates will be asked to submit a full account of their training and experience and to report for a written test, performance test and/or oral interview, if deemed necessary, at a time and place to be set by the Division of Human Resources.

THE EXAMINATION is open to qualified residents of the United States. Appointee must establish residency in Milwaukee County within six (6) months of appointment and maintained during incumbency.

Effective October 1, 1998, background checks must be conducted of all individuals appointed to positions covered by Wisconsin Act 27 of the laws of 1997 and Wisconsin State Statute 50.065. This requirement impacts all positions authorized in the Milwaukee County Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Division as well as other positions in County Service.

In accordance with the provisions of a Federal Court Order, #74-C-374 issued by U.S. District Judge Myron L. Gordon, ratio hiring based on race may be used in selecting qualified employees for this classification.
PR 15 ORG UNIT 9500 LE-G 278-2070