Zoo Keeper – Farm

This position will work at the Wells Fargo Family Farm at the Minnesota Zoo. 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.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform animal husbandry procedures as established so that the highest level of animal health and exhibition are maintained.
• 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 plant and horticulture procedures as established so that the highest level of plant health and exhibition are maintained in all vegetable and flower gardens, orchards, and other planted areas.
• 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.
• 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.

Experience Required

• 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.
• Minimum Qualifications
• Two (2) years of experience in a commercial livestock operation involving responsibility for maintaining production and growth efficiency records and aiding tin the implementation of selective breeding programs, diet formulation, and feeding and sanitation practices; OR
• Three (3) years full-time experience in an established laboratory or field research program involving vertebrate animals and data collection that includes 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:
• Working with animals, including handling and presenting in a show setting,
• Observation of animal behaviors,
• Preparation and feeding of animal diets, o Preparation and maintenance of detailed animal records, and
• Maintenance of sanitary animal living conditions.
• Training animals using operant conditioning with positive reinforcement.
• Creating goal-based enrichment items.
• 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
• Unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record Preferred Qualifications
• College degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education, Ecology or closely related field.
• Experience caring for domestic animals in a farm or related facility.
• Experience working with dairy cows.
• Experience working with draft horses.
• Experience working with and caring for animals at an AZA accredited Zoo or aquarium including preparing diets, feeding animals, maintaining sanitary animal living conditions, observing animal behavior, and maintaining animal records.
• Experience interpreting animal behavior and providing species specific information to guests
• Current CPR and 1st AID certification
• Ability to work as a firearms team member