What are the responsibilities and job description for the Zookeeper position at Dane County?
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
Perform duties necessary to ensure the care of zoo animals and the cleaning and maintenance of zoo enclosures, buildings, and grounds. Provide daily husbandry for a large and diverse zoological collection, maintain facility as needed, enhance the welfare of zoo animals, and provide a positive experience for guests of the Henry Vilas Zoo.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Prepares food and follows established feeding schedules and prescribed diets. Cleans animal enclosures and performs basic exhibit and grounds upkeep. Provides animals with scheduled enrichment and documents accordingly. Directs and controls animals within and between exhibit spaces. Observes and evaluates animal behavior, social interactions, breeding, etc. to identify animal health issues and overall well-being. Trains animals through operant conditioning to assist in their own healthcare and husbandry. Assists veterinary staff in the diagnosis and treatment of animals. Accurately records and communicates animal information through use of reporting methods and communication tools. Takes necessary precautions to ensure the safety of workers, animals, and the public. Assist with minor facility repair and upkeep including some landscaping and snow removal. Picks up, loads, and unloads animal food and supplies. Communicates, assists, and interacts positively with the public. Assists with education programs such as keeper chats, summer camp and behind-the scenes experiences. Works effectively and cooperatively with other Zoo Keepers and management staff. Other duties as assigned.
A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to an Associate’s degree in an animal science related field and a minimum of two (2) years paid experience in the care and maintenance of zoo specimens at an AZA accredited or related facility within the last three (3) years. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree cannot be substituted for the two years of paid experience.
Special Requirements:
Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Must be available for work on weekends and holidays with flexibility around shifts. Must be able to work within all animal areas. Must not be involved in any felony violation of the Lacey Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, or the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Annual TB testing required.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
This position is active for the entire shift (standing, walking, stooping, twisting, lifting, bending, pushing, reaching, climbing, crouching and crawling). Exposed to all weather conditions for entire shift. Exposed to dust, hay, dander, fumes, chemicals, and potential injury by animals. Must be able to repeatedly lift up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted and heavier loads with assistance. Must have the ability to use hands and feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling and operating controls and equipment. Must be able to maintain prompt and reliable attendance patterns. Must have the ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices.
Knowledge of all aspects of zoo animal care, including husbandry, operant conditioning and training, animal behavior, habitat enrichment, nutrition, modern zoological standards, healthcare, reproductive physiology, and animal diseases. Knowledge of proper animal handling, feeding, cleaning, and care methods. Ability to observe animal behavior, identify changes and accurately record and report findings. Knowledge of animal hygiene and welfare requirements. Knowledge of building and grounds cleaning and maintenance methods and materials as they relate to the maintenance and cleaning of zoo exhibits. Knowledge of the operation and routine preventative maintenance of motorized equipment, such as leaf blowers, snow blowers, weed eaters, small tractors, etc. Knowledge of relevant safety precautions and practices. Ability to organize and perform necessary duties in the most efficient, effective, and safe manner. Ability to work efficiently, effectively and cooperatively with others. Ability to make minor repairs to buildings, structures, and equipment. Must have functional reasoning skills and the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, and/or diagrammatic form. Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, with other workers, supervisors, and the general public. Ability to keep daily records related to animal care, wellbeing, feeding, and other relevant information. Knowledge of emergency procedures including willingness to be on the safe assist team and the ability to effectively carry out these procedures under extremely stressful conditions. Ability to work on small and large teams with a diverse group of individuals and opinions, including Zoo leadership.
Salary : $30 - $33
