Zookeeper

A Zookeeper is a non-supervisory worker, responsible, under supervision, for the health and well-being of the animals under his/her care.  Semi-skilled manual work is performed under limited supervision.  Assignments include the handling of animals; often delicate and/or hazardous species.  Work requires independent action with less immediate supervision after experience is acquired; assignments may include supervision of other personnel.

DUTIES

• Observation, handling, cleaning, feeding (often involving some food preparation from written instructions) and husbandry of captive animals.
• Observe assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively report to supervisor on their behavior, health and welfare.
• Observe condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment.  Monitor and clean public space(s), plants, and interpretive as assigned.
• Participates in training and operant conditioning and follows standardized reporting mechanisms.
• Cleans and maintains animal exhibit areas, performs basic horticulture work within exhibit and disinfects animal enclosures.
• Observes and reports maintenance needs of equipment, exhibits, buildings, and grounds; correction of minor maintenance needs.
• Assist in restraining, crating, moving, and unloading of animals; occasionally, accompany animals in transit.
• Assist in setting up animal exhibits.
• Assist veterinarian or veterinary technician when required.
• Use medicines and chemical cleaners according to instructions and/or standardized usage guidelines and safety information as set by the Material Data Sheets.
• Participate in zookeeper training and educational programs as required.  Make suggestions to improve the accomplishments of Zoo objectives.
• Responsible for the care, proper use and protection of equipment and property.
• Communicate with and assist guests.  Take initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their visit.
• Perform other related work as required.
• Must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and the ability to work with live animals safely.
• Strong working knowledge of the principles and techniques of biology, zoology, animal husbandry, or related work.  Must demonstrate the ability to increase knowledge of natural history, zoology, and general animal husbandry of the species and individual animals in area(s) of experience.
• Perform area routines proficiently.  Continue developing proficiency in specialized procedures.  Must possess a record of consistency and accuracy in performing job duties.
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Must be able to read and understand written instructions, write clear reports and requisitions, and fill out Zoo records and forms.
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date records (e.g. daily, monthly) on the animal collection making use of the computer programs provided. 
• Basic computer literacy required.
• Knowledge of proper dietary and medical care for various animals.
• Ability to perform all tasks required of Zookeepers; deal effectively with animals, the public and other Zoo employees, maintain orderly, clear records and files.
• Skill to follow written and oral technical animal management procedures. 
• Understand, foresee and apply safety precautions applicable to the work.
• Skill to exercise good judgment and tact in evaluating situations and making decisions, skill to lead, give instructions and check the work of others (supervisory assignments only). 
• Must possess good oral and written communication skills to record and present data generated in daily activities and research projects.
• Need good physical strength and stamina; skill to operate mechanical power equipment; licensed to drive a vehicle; willingness to accept regular weekend, holiday, and occasional after-hours assignments.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

• Incumbent should be temperamentally suited for working with animals; patient and capable of methodical work.
• Must be careful and meticulous worker, cooperative and dependable, as evidenced by school records or previous employment.
• Must be alert, curious, and very observant.
• Must be capable of making intelligent and prompt decisions relative to the safety of human and animal life.  Must not be accident prone.
• Must be neat in appearance.
• Must be able to deal courteously and effectively with the public.
• Constant standing, walking, twisting, bending, and lifting of up to 50 pounds while taking care of animals needs.
• Considerable dexterity is essential in the handling of animals. 
• A keeper should have normal or corrected vision and should have no physical handicaps that impair coordination and movement, nor prevent performance of strenuous work for extended periods of time as is frequently required.
• Must be free of diseases transmissible to animals or humans such as tuberculosis, herpes, ringworm, etc.
• Must adhere to the Mesker Park Zoo & Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work outdoors and indoors in all kinds of weather and be able to tolerate dust and high humidity.
• Daily exposure to animal odors, animal excrement, zoonotic diseases, loud noises in confined areas, and animals that can cause injury or possibly death.
• Daily exposure to disinfecting and cleaning chemicals.
• Involves use of knives and food slicing equipment in daily preparation of diets.
• Involves the daily use of light trucks.  Often work is performed in the vicinity of trucks, backhoes, mowers, and other power equipment.
• May be required to work any eight hour shift during a 24 hour operation.

Experience Required

• Bachelor of Science Degree in the Applied Sciences, Animal Sciences, Agriculture, Biology, Zoology or relevant field required and one year of paid zoo animal keeping or related animal care experience. In lieu of a Bachelor Degree, four years of paid zoo animal care or related animal care experience and two years of college level courses in Biological Sciences required.

Salary

• $22.95/hour