ZOO KEEPER
DEFINITION
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.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Maintains appropriately under the direction of supervisors 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.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Education and Experience: Requires two (2) years of paid experience in the care and maintenance of zoo specimens within the last (3) years. Two years of coursework in zoological 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 additional education in zoology, animal care or closely related field and/or experience at an AZA accredited institution.
Knowledges and Abilities: Knowledge of all aspects of zoo animal care, including husbandry, operant conditioning and training, animal behavior, habitat enrichment, nutrition, healthcare, reproductive physiology and animal diseases. Knowledge of proper animal handling, feeding, cleaning and care methods. Ability to observe animal behavior, identify changes and accurately record and report findings. Knowledge of animal hygiene and welfare requirements. Knowledge of building and grounds cleaning and maintenance methods and materials as they relate to the maintenance and cleaning of zoo exhibits Knowledge of the operation and
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routine preventative maintenance of motorized equipment, such as small tractors, etc. Knowledge of relevant safety precautions and practices. Ability to organize and perform necessary duties in the most efficient, effective and safe manner. Knowledge of leadwork principles and the ability to effectively train, direct, and monitor the work of others. Ability to work efficiently and cooperatively with others. Ability to make minor repairs to buildings, structures and equipment. Must have functional reasoning skills and the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and/or diagrammatic form. Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, with other workers, supervisors and the general public. Ability to keep daily records related to animal care, wellbeing, feeding and other relevant information. Knowledge of emergency procedures including willingness to be on the safe assist team and the ability to effectively carrying out these procedures under extremely stressful conditions.
Physical Requirements: 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.
Special Requirements: A valid Wisconsin Driver's License (or eligibility for) is required. Must be available for work on nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies.
H:\PERSONNL\CLS-SPEC\ZOO KEEPER.DOC – 06-19-12