Zoo Keeper

ZOO KEEPER                                                                                                         05/10/24

Texas Zoo

Status: Full time

Pay Range: $18,720 - $32,240; ($9 - $15.50 per hour)

Direct Report: Animal Curator

Summary

Responsible for the daily care and management of zoological specimens; Duties include diet preparation, providing medications, assisting veterinary staff, and record keeping, This position is executed in compliance with all local and federal mandates, as well as to standards of the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) and compliance with the regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD).

Responsibilities

• Provides daily animal care, training, and environmental enrichment for collection

• Picking up meat and stocking freezers, picking up fresh foods/produce 1-2 times a week, and sorting produce as necessary
• Prepares diets, adding appropriate supplements, and feeds animals according to schedules on the diet boards and notes as updated
• Monitors amount fed to animals as required, and documents the amount eaten from previous day, and enters to record
• Maintains food prep room in a clean, organized, and sanitary manner, including stocking supplies

• Assists consulting veterinarians with animal health management
• Coordinates with Curator on all maintenance related to animal care
• Assists in the maintenance of all enclosures, exhibits, water features, and work areas for keeping captive wildlife in a safe and secure environment
• Makes recommendations and helps coordinate procurement of supplies
• Maintenance of animal shipping containers and arranges for the care of animals during transit on and off grounds for educational outreach or veterinary treatment
• Ensures the accurate and timely maintenance of animal records and prepares detailed reports on inventory, daily reports, and journals as necessary to maintain the animal collection
• Assists with the design of animal enclosures and exhibits, including placement of plants on grounds in order to provide naturalistic housing and an appropriate environment for exotic animals and native wildlife
• Utilizes educational information for the general public and the schools served by the Zoo
• Provides assistance to staff and volunteers, including giving guided tours and correcting unsafe public behavior, as necessary

Additional Responsibilities

• A strong ability to work in a team-oriented atmosphere while maintaining excellent independent work skills. Great interpersonal skills and a commitment to provide outstanding educational programs is a must
• Required to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed for program needs and special events

• Participate in or assist with Special Events as requested

• Required to work in a variety of weather conditions
• Performs other duties as assigned

Administration

• Assists with the development and promotion of good community relations and awareness through speaking engagements, interviews, answering inquiries, etc. and dealing effectively with the public at the Zoo
• Works with the management team developing special events, promotions, and media relations as required including some weekends and evenings
• Supports all fundraising efforts at the Zoo as requested by the Executive Director.
• Attends and participates in professional and scientific meetings
• Attends conferences and workshops to stay aware of new trends, information, and developments in the field of zoological and wildlife operations
• Acts as liaison with the other zoos, universities, scientific, and governmental institutions, and with professional associations in order to remain current with research studies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Associate degree in education, zoology, biology, wildlife management, environmental science or an applicable field or equivalent experience is preferred
• A minimum of one year’s animal husbandry experience working in an educational and/or animal management capacity in a zoo, refuge, aquarium, nature center or similar organization is preferred
• Ability to handle, care for and train a variety of domestic and exotic animals
• Ability to be certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in stressful situations
• Ability to work well with a diverse group of staff, volunteers, and/or educators
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
• Must have good time management and the ability to effectively multi-task
• One to two years minimum experience working with volunteers preferred
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Physical demands include balance, standing, kneeling, crouching, walking, reaching, grasping, feeling and finger dexterity.
• Capable of lifting, pushing and pulling 50 pounds, and handling animal carriers
• Must possess a valid Texas State driver’s license and maintain insurance

Please send cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]