Zoo Keeper I

The purpose of this classification is to perform manual and semi-skilled work in the care of exotic zoo animals, including large cats, and the maintenance of zoo grounds and facilities. This is a position that emphasizes manual work in behind-the-scenes care of animals and exhibits; individuals in this class will gradually assume a higher level of independence working with the animals and a higher degree of interaction with the public. Work is performed under general supervision. This position needs a basic understanding of enrichment and behavioral husbandry (animal training) principles. This position needs a basic knowledge of AZA and USDA regulations concerning animal welfare that govern operations.

Performs general cleaning and maintenance of animal exhibits: removes and disposes of unconsumed food, manure, refuse, etc.; sweeps, rakes, hoses, and disinfects exhibits; and cleans feed troughs, bowls, and containers.

Maintains exhibit materials: waters plants and flowers in and around exhibits; installs limbs and nesting or bedding materials; and cleans and maintains perches, nest boxes, props and decorative materials.

Creates and provides daily physical and psychological environmental enrichment for different species. 

Provides daily training sessions to continue with maintained behaviors for individual animals while learning to create cues and behaviors to obtain species specific behaviors. 

Performs grounds keeping and general cleaning tasks: 

Mows grass, trims hedges, rakes leaves, sweeps sidewalks, picks up litter, tends flower beds; cleans restrooms and replenishes restroom supplies.

Assists with the maintenance of the health and welfare of zoo animals: provides fresh food daily, preparing special diets for animal groups; provides sufficient water; assists in administering prescribed medications; inspects animals daily to ensure security and proper enclosure; and remains alert to any illness, abnormal behavior, physical conditions, and aggressive or potentially dangerous tendencies and reports these to a supervisor.

Maintains emotional and situational awareness and understands its impact on duties in terms of dealing with exotic animals. 

Provides routine information and assistance to the visiting public: answers questions about animals and exhibits; and assists in special events and educational programs including set up and take down.

Responds to emergency situations: assists in the capture and restraint of wild animals which may or may not be sedated; and acts as a first responder if the public or the animals are harmed.

Assists with the transport of animals to and from the airport or other zoos.

Handles, prepares, and/or maintains the appropriate paperwork necessary to the functions of this position: records and files keeper daily reports, animal medical records, animal enrichment records and animal feeding charts; and records time sheets and community service records.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Basic behavioral husbandry (animal training) skills are needed for this position. A basic understanding of species specific animal behavior, interactions with con and allo-specifics, and species specific communication is needed.  

A basic understanding of restraint and capture theory is needed. The ability to think and react quickly when dealing with exotic animals is needed. 

An understanding of how individual moods and emotions impact animal interactions is necessary. The ability to be situationally aware at all times is needed. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A.S. degree in one of the life sciences with at least two (2) years of full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution;

OR

B.S. degree in one of the life sciences with experience working with animals;

OR

Five (5) years full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution.

Must possess a valid driver’s license. Will be required to obtain a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license at time of appointment and maintain throughout employment for this classification.

Salary : $27,452 - $32,938