Zoo Keeper

Zoo Boise is one of the most popular attractions in Idaho as well as a living science facility that is home to over 300 animals from 100 various species. Zoo Boise is a community treasure where more than 350,000 annual guests of all ages can learn about our natural world and the importance of protecting and preserving it for generations to come.

Zoo Keeper:

• Cares for the dietary, health, and environmental needs of native and exotic animals at Zoo Boise. 
• Maintains exhibits, and assists with the transportation of animals. 
• Interacts with the public and provides information regarding animals, zoo activities, and events. 
• This position works under general supervision.

Essential Functions

• Ensures animal health and safety by making regular observations and inspections of cages, facilities and animal behavior.
• Creates and maintains records such as animal descriptions, sex, diet and behavioral characteristics.
• Investigates cases of unusual animal behavior and reports the behavior to a veterinarian.
• Prepares food for animals with regards to species, natural eating behavior, special diets or circumstances and recommended frequency.
• Takes direction from the veterinarian to administer the required medications.
• Performs cleaning duties in and around cages and zoo grounds.
• Creates and provides enrichment opportunities for animals, such as scent manipulation, puzzle feeders and altering the design and layout of cages and related items to engage animals and prevent irritation and stress.
• Trains animals to exhibit specific behaviors.
• Conducts various presentations, tours and classes for groups, individuals and related public events.
• Creates educational activities for schools and classes.
• Interacts with the public and answers questions.
• Works on projects throughout the zoo's facilities. Builds, adjusts and repairs animal exhibits.
• Performs various facility maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, changing light bulbs, landscaping and lawn maintenance, minor repairs and unloading animal food stuffs.
• Transports animals to locations throughout the zoo. Builds transport crates.
• Attends zoo-specific training. Ensures compliance with regulations and standards.
• Receives training in the proper use of blow and dart guns, shotguns, immobilizing drugs, control poles and squeeze cages.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. 

Experience Required

• Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training High school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience working with small to large non-domestic animals in a similar zoo facility or farm environment. Knowledge of:
• environmental, health, and dietary needs of animals; animal restraint and capture techniques; typical behaviors of a variety of animals; zoo operations; basic facility maintenance; the operation of hand and power tools; and computer usage, including related software.

Ability to:

• build and maintain large cages; operate tools and equipment safely; give oral presentations; utilize guns and related emergency equipment; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.
• Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training Bachelor's degree in a related field, three years of experience working with large animals in a zoo or farm setting, and extensive experience building animal containment areas.
• Licensing And Other Requirements Valid state-issued driver's license.
• Special Requirements Applicants must be able to pass: City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation Driving Record Check

Drug Free Workplace:

• In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire.
• Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
• The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Efforts While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds, occasionally lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds and rarely lifting/carrying up to 75 pounds.
• Also, the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds and occasionally pushing/pulling up to 75 pounds.
• The noise level is frequently loud and occasionally moderate.
• Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch.
• Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Employees will sit, stand, walk, runn, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance.
• Position requires hand/finger dexterity.
• Working Environment The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter.
• Employees are exposed to mechanical hazards.
• Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.
• Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals.

Salary

• 18.73/Hr plus full City of Boise Benefits Package