The American Association of Zoo Keepers Jobs (1)

Description

Position Summary :

Under the direction of the Henson Robinson Zoo’s General Curator, seasonal zookeepers serve as relief keepers and are responsible for the husbandry, health, and welfare of each animal in the collection.

Our keepers work as a team and make strides every day to enhance the lives of our animals and the experiences of our guests.

This seasonal position is 9 months with a 3 month lay-off.

Specific Responsibilities :

• Prepare animal diets following the prescribed diets determined by the General Curator and follow proper animal feeding procedures.
• Clean animal exhibits, walkways, grounds, and other facilities within exhibit areas in accordance with the established Standard Operating Procedures.
• Performs daily observations of animals and exhibit facilities. Reports any abnormalities in animal behavior, animal health, exhibit security, and safety to their immediate supervisor or other member of management.
• Must be able to recognize diseases that might occur in captive wildlife. Carries out treatment prescribed by Zoo’s Veterinarian and General Curator.
• Recommends improvements in animal care procedures and schedules, exhibit maintenance, and safety.
• Utilizes proper restraint techniques with animal and human safety always in mind : this includes the agility to safely net and maneuver with injured, aggressive, or handling neonate animals.
• Successfully secure animals, their enclosures, and other associated structures.
• Must be familiar with ZAA (Zoological Association of America) Accreditation Standards and husbandry guidelines, and USDA APHIS standards and regulations.
• Zookeepers must stay current with animal husbandry, training techniques and enrichment industry standards.
• Must interact with public in formal and informal encounters. Always remaining courteous while answering questions, enforcing rules, and educating.
• Performs maintenance work on exhibits facilities, grounds, and landscape, including minor repairs.
• Required to operate power tools, lawn care equipment, vehicles, traverse ladders, and other equipment to repair and maintain the facility.
• Train, direct, and monitor Zoo interns or others as assigned.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Zoo Director and General Curator, or designee.
• Must be able to safely work in all weather conditions, including extreme cold, snow and humid conditions typical of central Illinois.
• Ability to work weekend, holidays, after hour events, and some travel for animal shipments or continuing education is required.
• The schedule is flexible and days off are subject to change based on institution needs.
• This seasonal keeper position is trained on 2 of 4 zoo runs and serves as a relief for full-time keepers.

Education and Pre-requisites

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Associates degree in zoology, biology, or one year experience in the care of animals in a zoological institution or a suitable combination
• Must be able to work with a wide range of taxa including reptiles, raptors, primates, domestic barnyard animals, and large carnivores.
• Basic computer knowledge. Knowledge of ZIMS or other zoo record software preferred.
• Must be able to multi-task and adjust to changing schedules and time constraints.
• Ability to use a two-way radio

Physical Demands : Based on an 8 hour workday

Never 0 hrs Rarely 0-2 hrs Occasionally 2-4 hrs Frequently 4-6 hours Continuously 6-8 hours

• Sit : Rarely
• Stand : Frequently
• Walk : Frequently
• Bend : Frequently
• Squat : Occasionally
• Kneel : Frequently
• Crawl : Rarely
• Climb : Rarely
• Reach : Frequently
• Overhead reaching : Occasionally
• Grasp : Frequently
• Push / Pull : Occasionally
• Twist / Turn : Frequently
• Lift : 11-60 lbs occasionally
• Lift : 1-10 lbs frequently
• Stairs : Occasionally
• Ladders : Rarely

Other :

• Ability to lift heavy objects (60 lbs) from ground level, move approximately 10 feet and perform this at least 5 times in succession without danger of injury
• Ability to withstand heavy outdoor labor in extreme weather conditions.

Corrected Vision must include :

• Seeing 20 / 20
• Normal Depth Perception

Corrected Hearing must include :

Normal frequency sensitivity

Speaking skills must include being understandable when speaking :

• In person
• On the telephone or radio

General Requirements :

• Must be able to read and write and have good command of the English language.
• Good oral and written communication.
• Physical capabilities lifts 60 pounds, squat, bend and move as necessary for the job.
• Must be able to perform basic mathematics.
• Must have basic proficiency of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Must possess valid Illinois Driver’s License.
• Must possess professional phone skills and work well with the public.
• Must present a neat and professional appearance.
• Responsible to follow policies and procedures outlined in Springfield Park District employee manual.
• Must live in Sangamon County, in the State of Illinois or must be willing to move to Sangamon County in the State of Illinois within the first 6 months of acceptance of a position with the Springfield Park District.

Compensation and benefits

$17.51 per hour

Seasonal keepers receive 2 personal days and 2 sick days after 60 day probation period

Healthcare available after 1500 hours of work

14 paid holidays per year

Application instructions