Bird Keeper--Animal Care Technician 3

This position provides animal and habitat care and maintenance so that healthy, well-adjusted animals, and attractive, instructive exhibits are presented to guests of the Minnesota Zoo in a manner that supports the Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The incumbent ensures appropriate welfare of the animals. The incumbent operates fleet vehicles to move around the Zoo campus.

• Perform animal husbandry procedures as established so that the highest level of animal health and exhibition are maintained.
• Perform maintenance and general cleaning of habitats and work areas as assigned so that a neat and clean appearance and pleasant and safe experience are provided for all guests.
• Prepare, present, and participate in interpretive programs for Zoo guests, staff, and/or volunteers so that staff and guests receive accurate information on the biology, natural history, and conservation of the species in an educational and entertaining manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

Minimum Qualifications:

• The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position.
• Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position.
• To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
• One (1) year of experience as a full-time Zookeeper at a zoo or aquarium; OR Three (3) years full-time experience in an established laboratory or field research program involving vertebrate animals and data collection; responsible work experience in a laboratory animal colony or veterinary hospital involving direct animal care and maintenance. Experience must be within the last ten (10) years and include all of the following:
• Observation of animal behaviors,
• Preparation and feeding of animal diets,
• Preparation and maintenance of detailed animal records, and
• Maintenance of sanitary animal living conditions.
• Customer service skills sufficient to work with co-workers and guests courteously and respectfully.
• Ability to interpret technical literature that relates to the health and management of animals.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

• College degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education, Ecology or closely related field
• Experience working with a diverse collection of birds on public habitat and in breeding arrangements in a breeding facility
• Experience with the incubation and hand-rearing of altricials and precocials
• Experience utilizing operant conditioning in a multi-species aviary setting
• Open water SCUBA certification or equivalent
• Current CPR and 1st AID certification

Physical Requirements of the Job:

• Current Rabies vaccination and negative TB or ability to become Rabies vaccinated and complete a negative TB test within the probationary period and complete ongoing Rabies titer testing
• Exposure to some zoonotic diseases and potent immobilization agents/drugs for treatment of animals
• Exposure to a wide variety of pesticides and potentially dangerous equipment and machinery on a regular basis
• Ability to differentiate colors
• Ability to routinely work with potentially dangerous domestic animals
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year round
• Ability to negotiate all types of terrain
• Ability to use hand/finger coordination to manipulate items and operate hand and/or power tools
• Ability to lift, carry and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to lift and move large objects as a team over uneven terrain
• Ability to push/pull up to 90 pounds
• Ability to shovel to clean animal areas and work areas
• Ability to bend and crouch occasionally throughout the day
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders occasionally throughout the day
• Ability to tolerate loud noises regularly throughout the day
• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time throughout the day
• Ability to wear N95 face masks/respirators
• Ability to grip 34 pounds to operate power washer intermittently for up to 60 minutes