Animal Keeper-Operational

Under supervision, this position will provide the daily care and maintenance of the living zoological collection at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park ensuring Department, Division and Park goals and objectives as well as Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements and objectives are met. This includes educating Park visitors and interpretation of wildlife and wildlife issues.

• This position will make daily decisions to best ensure the health, welfare and physical and psychological well-being of the living zoological collection at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park. Self-directed to the extent that the employee has the authority to make daily decisions based on the immediate needs of the animals under their care.
• This includes coordinating with the veterinarian. Safety to staff is a priority.
• These judgments and decisions affect work performance and have a direct major impact on the Park's operations.
• AZA and USDA goals and requirements must be met as well as OSHA, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and New Mexico Game and Fish (NMGF) requirements.
• The animals in the collection must be fed, watered, observed and the exhibit and holding areas cleaned on a daily basis. Environmental enrichment is given to the animal collection to promote physical and psychological well-being.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in biology, fisheries science/management, wildlife science/management, animal science, forestry, ecology or similar related natural resource degree and two (2) years of experience in the specified fields.
• Any combination of education from an accredited college or university and related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience. Substitutions Apply. 

Working Conditions:

• This position will require the incumbent to work outdoors in seasonally extreme weather conditions including heat, wind, cold, rain, dry, for extended periods of time.
• Physical requirements include standing, walking, running, climbing, bending, raking, hosing, driving, lifting up to 50 pounds, pushing or pulling up to 50 pounds, carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Daily interaction with native wildlife, some considered dangerous, with potential exposure to zoonotic disease. Use and handling of cleaning and sanitation products approved for use with native wildlife along with potential exposure to mechanical, electrical and other health hazards.
• Ability to provide immediate response to emergency situations, or immediate need issues, at the Zoo, whether on days off or not.
• Weekend/holiday work required.