Animal keeper

Northwest Trek is a treasure for wildlife enthusiasts. This 725-acre wildlife park is home to more than 100 animals native to the Pacific Northwest.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is dedicated to conservation, education and recreation by displaying, interpreting and researching native Northwest wildlife and natural habitats.

Position Information

Under the direction of the Curator or Animal Keeper, this position is responsible for performing specialized work in the care, observation and maintenance of an assigned area at Northwest Trek.

• Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, general upkeep of support facilities.
• Maintains clean and organized enclosures, holding areas, service areas and equipment.
• Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding practices and diet sheets.
• Understands and applies a practical understanding of operant conditioning and animal handling for the purposes of public live animal programs on site.
• Understands and applies interpretive skills in delivering unscripted public live animal programs on site.
• Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
• Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the primary animal keeper of the area or Head Keeper.
• Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines;

requires basic skills with ZIMS and Microsoft Office software applications.

• Understands and applies the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under his / her care.
• See full duties on MPT job site.

Experience Required

• Two-year or four-year degree in one of the natural sciences or a closely related discipline or a certificate of completion from an acceptable exotic animal care program of not less than 30 semester hours is preferred.
• One year of experience in animal care, animal training and handling, and public interpretation at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment, internships, or volunteer experience.
• Specific training and work experience in other settings, such as wildlife rehabilitation centers, nature centers, or conservation centers may be considered on a case-by-case basis as fulfillment for the experience requirements.
• Strong interpersonal, team-building, and communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a Washington State driver's license.
• Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule to include evenings, holidays and / or weekends as needed.

Perks

Enrollment in the the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS) may be mandatory.

Sick Leave : 1 hour earned for every 40 hours worked. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) SupportLinc provides emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to keep you at your best.

Administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, the program offers guidance to help you address and resolve everyday issues at no cost to you or your family.

Features include : Kinside - A child care benefit, connecting you with open spots and discounts of up to 20 percent at top daycares, preschools, camps and after school programs.

Community Center Fitness Pass - All Metro Parks Tacoma employees get a Staff Pass to use at our community All Center Pass allows access to all four centers Center at Norpoint, Eastside Community Center, People’s Center and STAR Center plus three indoor pools, all semi-outdoor fitness classes, and our exciting new online virtual community center.

Salary

$ - $ Hourly

Last updated : 2024-05-07