This position is responsible for the care and maintenance of animals, habitats, grounds and facilities, as well as some clerical responsibilities.
Examples of Duties
- Provide care (prepares diets for, feeds and cleans) for animals and maintains habitats, related structures, and surrounding non-public areas.
- Perform daily observation of animals to identify normal and abnormal behaviors related to husbandry/health issues; coordinate with senior staff on animal training programs to facilitate husbandry behaviors.
- Communicate questions or concerns regarding medical/health issues of specimens in collection to supervisor. Assist with treatment as directed including administering medication.
- Provides behavioral and psychological enrichment for animals.
- Communicate with visitors as needed for educational (delivers public talks/demos) and behavioral/safety purposes.
- Disposes of trash and debris in zoo.
- Maintains landscaping and grounds for and around habitats.
- Services and maintains tools and equipment and facilities to ensure safe use, includes opening and closing of facilities.
- Follows all safety rules and regulations, policies and procedures.
- Attends regular safety meetings.
- Assists with training for new keepers or seasonal staff as assigned.
- Documents observations and information on animal health, behavior, diet, enrichment, and facilities for department records.
- Assists with veterinary procedures if needed.
- Performs basic health care procedures (hoof trims, etc.) as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Skill in the use and maintenance of tools and equipment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and behavior.
- Knowledge of maintenance methods and materials.
- Ability to receive, understand, and carry out verbal and written instruction, direction, and assignments. Ability to perform physical work activities in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to communicate and cooperate with city employees and to deal with the public in an effective and positive manner
Experience Required
- Valid Kansas driver’s license required. A.S. degree in one of the life sciences with at least two years of full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution; OR B.S. degree in one of the life sciences with experience working with animals; OR Five years full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution
Further Comments
- Environment:
- Work is performed in all types of weather.
- Majority of work is performed outside with indoor work in cages, barns and compounds housing animals.
- Weather conditions include extreme, moderate and temperate cold and heat; snow, ice, fog, rain, sleet, hail, high and gusting winds, humid and dry conditions.
- Works with chemicals as required.
Surfaces:
- Sand, gravel, dirt, asphalt, concrete, rock, clay, indoor & outdoor ponds and waterfall. Some chemicals and medication involved.
- Physical Characteristics: Ability to lift up to 75 lbs., push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, carry, shovel, rake, scoop, sit, stand, see, hear, drive, tug, speak and sweep
Perks
- The City of Garden City offers a wide range of competitive benefits. Some of the benefits include: Health/Dental Insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas; Group Life Insurance; Eligibility to sign-up for supplemental insurances; Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS); Paid Leave: Vacation, Sick, Personal, Wellness, P/T Education Conference, Bereavement, FMLA, Military, Jury Duty, Voting; Employee Recognition Plan; Wellness Program; Employee Assistance Program
Salary
- $18.93 Hourly
