Under the supervision of the Zoological Animal Manager, this position is responsible for the daily well-being of animals in the assigned animal section. The Zoological Care Specialist II/III is responsible for maintaining high standards of animal care while working in a team-oriented environment where collaboration and problem-solving are required to achieve Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo Corporation's (FCZC) strategic goals, while providing excellent guest experience.
- This position will primarily be assigned to the Asia West team, which is responsible for the care of reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. This position may be reassigned or requested to work in other sections as needed at the discretion of the Animal Management team.
- Full-Time employees receive our comprehensive compensation package which includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is $21.75 - $26.10 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience.
ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
- ZCS II
- Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets at designated times; sees that animals have sufficient water that is refreshed regularly throughout each day.
- Implements effective behavioral enrichment for selected animals.
- Observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address observed behaviors.
- Maintains accurate feeding, health, and welfare records of assigned animals using Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, Teams), Species 360 (ZIMS), and TRACKS information systems.
- Thoroughly cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures and ensures cleanliness throughout the day. Maintains a neat, organized, and efficient working area to support productivity.
- Exercise good judgement when making choices that affect our animal population.
- Effectively trains animals within the animal care section according to zoo policies and procedures.
- Participates in guest presentations in the form of animal chats or animal training demonstrations.
- Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section, including medication preparation and administration.
- Assists the Emergency Response team in animal events.
- Proactively identifies potential risks and applies best practices to prevent incidents and promotes animal and workplace safety. Reports any unsafe work conditions to managers.
- Completes animal welfare assessments assigned by manager in the allotted time frame and works with team to solve welfare concerns.
- Crates and moves animals as directed, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.
- Provides training and guidance under manager supervision to lower-tired Zoological Care Specialists, and volunteers assigned in the section.
- Completes daily tasks, projects, and goals within an assigned time frame while maintaining satisfactory standards.
- Communicates effectively in high-pressure situations and resolves conflict through open communication and promoting understanding.
- Develops and maintains positive relationships with members of all departments, promoting a team environment that emphasizes uplifting and supporting coworkers.
- Adheres to organizational protocols, procedures, and policies while maintaining an open mind for continuous improvement to guidelines.
- Utilizes computer, telephone, and radio systems to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities and offsite.
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals
- ZCS III
- Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets at designated times; sees that animals have sufficient water that is refreshed regularly throughout each day.
- Implements effective behavioral enrichment for selected animals.
- Observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address observed behaviors.
- Maintains accurate feeding, health, and welfare records of assigned animals using Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, Teams), Species 360 (ZIMS), and TRACKS information systems.
- Writes protocols and routines for assigned section and updates standard operating procedures and other section protocols as assigned by Zoological Animal Manager
- Assists Zoological Animal Manager in planning and coordinating daily operations within the animal care section, uses initiative and self-motivation for various projects and ideas.
- Thoroughly cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures and ensures cleanliness throughout the day. Maintains a neat, organized, and efficient working area to support productivity.
- Exercise good judgement when making choices that affect our animal population.
- Effectively trains animals within the animal care section according to zoo policies and procedures.
- Participate in guest presentations in the form of animal chats or animal training demonstrations.
- Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section, including medication preparation and administration.
- Assists the Emergency Response team in animal events, can be trained in Recapture Coordinator or Animal Risk Mitigation team roles.
- Proactively identifies potential risks and applies best practices to prevent incidents and promotes animal and workplace safety. Reports any unsafe work conditions to managers.
- Completes animal welfare assessments assigned by manager in the allotted time frame and works with team to solve welfare concerns.
- Crates and moves animals as directed, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals, including participation in animal transfers between zoological facilities.
- Provides guidance under manager supervision to lower-tired Zoological Care Specialists and volunteers assigned in the section.
- Completes daily tasks, projects, and goals within an assigned time frame while maintaining satisfactory standards.
- Communicates effectively in high-pressure situations and resolves conflict through open communication and promoting understanding
- Participates in constructive feedback to focus on continuous improvement while fostering a culture of growth and accountability while maintaining confidentiality
- Develops and maintains positive relationships with members of all departments, promoting a team environment that emphasizes uplifting and supporting coworkers.
- Adheres to organizational protocols, procedures, and policies while maintaining an open mind for continuous improvement to guidelines
- Utilizes computer, telephone, and radio systems to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities and offsite.
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals.
EDUCATION AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS
- ZCS II
- High School diploma required.
- Minimum eighteen (18) months of paid experience in a zoological or wildlife facility is required.
- Minimum six (6) months of experience implementing goal-based enrichment applications to encourage natural behaviors is required.
- Minimum six (6) months of paid experience in applying classical and operant conditioning techniques to train domestic or exotic animals is preferred.
- Minimum six (6) months of experience with completion of formal welfare assessments and problem-solving solutions to address well-being concerns is preferred.
- Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public. Bilingual skills a plus.
- A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.
- ZCS III
- High School diploma required.
- Minimum five and half (5.5) years of paid experience in a zoological or wildlife facility is required.
- Minimum three (3) years of experience developing behavioral husbandry programs that involve applying classical and operant conditioning techniques and goal-based enrichment is required.
- Minimum three (3) years of experience with completion of formal welfare assessments and problem-solving solutions to address well-being concerns is preferred.
- Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public. Bilingual skills a plus.
- A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.
- In addition to the above job qualifications, ZCS assigned to specific areas will also need to complete the following requirements:
- Asia West:
- Level II and III specialists are required to complete FCZ venomous reptile training as applicable to each ZCS level within 1 year from the start of venomous training.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.
- This position is required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel throughout the shift.
- Must use both hands and arms for care of animals and cleaning of enclosures.
- Required to climb stairs or ladders throughout the shift.
- Required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance.
- Evaluating animal health, diet, or environment requires close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, hearing and sense of smell.
- Visual acuity is needed to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal behavior. Color perception is also required.
- Receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- This position functions both indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to high heat, cold, inclement weather, poor air quality, insects, Zoo environments including uneven terrain, dust, and allergens, and external events.
- The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with risk of animal bites (including venomous), zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury.
- The employee may be exposed to environmental substances such as dust/dirt from Zoo grounds.
- The employee may be required to work at heights.
- The position works in close proximity to Zoo animals.
- Regular local travel and occasional out-of-town travel may be required.
- Ability to work overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
