What are the responsibilities and job description for the Browse Technician (full-time, benefitted) position at Zoo Atlanta?
Job Description:
Job Title: Browse Technician (Day Shift)
Department: Horticulture
Reports to: Horticulture Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Status: Full-time, benefitted
Start Date: The anticipated start date of this position will be in March 2023
Who we are: Located just minutes from downtown, Zoo Atlanta is the oldest and one of the most respected cultural destinations in the Southeast’s largest and most vibrant city. Culture, dining, nightlife, and famously eclectic neighborhoods, not to mention a temperate climate year-round, attract a growing number of newcomers to the one-and-only Atlanta.
As an organization, Zoo Atlanta’s points of pride include being one of only three zoos in the U.S. to house giant pandas; home of one of North America’s largest populations of great apes; and a longtime reputation for excellence in the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Our mission sets us apart, and every day at Zoo Atlanta is an opportunity for discovery, a chance to contribute to conservation, and a way to make a difference in the lives of the people of our community.
What we offer: As a workplace, Zoo Atlanta is very proud of a commitment to diversity and inclusion and a competitive compensation and benefits package. Benefits include but are not limited to outstanding medical coverage and 403b retirement program match; vacation time buy and sell; professional development training; paid time off for community volunteering; and more.
Perks for this full-time position include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other supplemental insurance
- Retirement Savings Plan (403b) with employer match after 12 months of service
- Paid time off includes vacation, sick and personal days plus holidays
- Tuition assistance program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee short term and long-term disability insurance paid for by Zoo Atlanta
- Opportunities for professional development paid for by Zoo Atlanta
- Local discounts and free admission to partnering attractions
- Complimentary family Zoo membership
- Discounted pricing on individual and family education programs, such as Safari Camp, Twilight Trek, NightCrawler, Survival Safari, and much more!
- Join the standby list for free behind-the-scenes encounters with elephants, lemurs, giant pandas, aldabra tortoises!
Who you are: The Browse Technician is responsible for supplying "browse" to the Zoo’s animal collection teams on a regular and timely basis. "Browse" is any approved plant species that can be consumed as a supplement to an animal’s diet. This includes all aspects of identification, procurement, handling and delivery. This position reports to the Horticulture Manager.
Learn more about Zoo Atlanta’s Horticulture team here!
How to apply: Please apply directly on the Zoo Atlanta Careers website at www.zooatlanta.org/careers
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Responsible for coordinating with Zoo partner organizations to schedule regular browse pick-ups off-site and harvesting browse on zoo grounds as needed using appropriate Best Management Practices.
- Consulting with keeper staff to assess animal area browse requirements.
- Harvest browse from locally identified sites in a manner appropriate for animal consumption.
- Responsible for daily record keeping of browse species harvesting logs.
- Responsible for researching new browse proposals and report findings to Horticulture manager and Veterinary staff.
- Cultivation/propagation of sites for the purpose of harvesting for animal consumption.
- Assist with continued development of the local harvesting program, including site evaluation and species identification.
- Maintenance of all departmental vehicles, tools and equipment. Includes pruning tools, saws, chainsaws, leaf blowers, etc.
- Maintenance of browse gardens on zoo grounds.
- May at times assist the Horticulture team with Zoo grounds maintenance as needed.
- Must be willing to support Zoo Atlanta’s Vision, Mission and Values statement
- Any other miscellaneous projects/assignment assigned by Zoo Atlanta’s Horticulture team.
