Facility

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Closing Date

Description

Under the direction of the Lead Staff Biologist, this position is responsible for performing specialized work in the care, observation and maintenance of an assigned zoological area at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:
• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Duties include, but are not limited to, daily husbandry of ambassador birds, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates; maintaining records; wild animal handling; and presenting animals informally to zoo visitors. Additionally, staff will participate in multi-taxa, large format, scripted animal presentations in the Zoo’s Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater, a covered, 350-seat amphitheater that features off-leash and free-flight behaviors.

Education and Pre-requisites

• Must be a high school graduate
• College degree in biological sciences desirable
• Previous exotic bird or animal husbandry experience preferred
• Must have excellent customer service and observational skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively and follow written & oral instructions
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays
• A resume and cover letter with dates of availability must be included with the required application form

Compensation and benefits

HOURS:
Seasonal position, approximately 1000 hours from April 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018. Hours per week to include weekends; hours and days per week may vary.

ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor and outdoor environment.
Adverse weather conditions.
Cold water while interacting with mammals.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Lifting and carrying heavy objects or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
pushing; climbing; walking; kneeling and crouching to work with and feed animals; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools.
HAZARDS:
Exposure to potentially dangerous and sick animals.
Exposure to animal fecal.
Chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise.
Contact with irate visitors.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor.

Employment is subject to a national background inquiry.

Job applicants must be able to prove authorization to work in the United States at the time of a job offer as required by the 1986 Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act. Documentation establishing authorization to work may include a Social Security Card, picture ID and/or other approved documentation.

This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.

Application instructions

Please visit www.metroparkstacoma.org and submit your application on-line.