Animal Keeper
Utah’s Hogle Zoo
POSITION SUMMARY
Performs daily care
of exotic and/or domestic animals, cleaning and maintaining guest areas,
service areas, holding areas and exhibit areas. Maintains extensive animal
records relating to health, diet, behavior and overall welfare. Supports Utah’s
Hogle Zoo’s conservation efforts. Hourly position.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
This position
reports directly to the assigned Curator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Effectively
monitor health, behavior and overall welfare of assigned resident animals and
communicate changes to the area lead, curator and/or veterinary staff. Oversee
and administer medications as prescribed.
2. Participate in
and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of assigned resident
animals including training, enrichment, research, and education.
3. Maintain
extensive animal records.
4. Clean and
maintain holding and exhibit areas consistent with established professional
standards.
5. Coordinate area
schedule of husbandry and building maintenance tasks.
6. Develop, revise
and update area protocols and check lists in a timely manner.
7. Insure compliance
with USDA regulations.
8. Develop and
coordinate animal enrichment, training and related schedules.
9. Ensure inspection
of exhibits and surrounding areas – follow up on written requests for needed
repairs, upgrades or attention.
10. Actively support
and implement area policies,
procedures, and
protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the assigned resident
animals and the safety of staff and guests.
11. Maintains
knowledge and competency in current professional animal practices.
12. Positively
promote and foster a work environment that improves department function and
productivity.
13. Oversee
activities of assigned area Animal Care interns and volunteers.
14. Must be
dependable and willing to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays.
15. Demonstrate the
ability to perform a variety of jobs and flexibility in working in a variety of
areas.
16. Train fellow
keepers, volunteers and interns.
17. Knowledge and
responsibility for hand tools, vehicles, and equipment.
18. Make minor
repairs to exhibits and enrichment devices.
19. Assist with
tours and educate guests, donors, and staff.
20. Commitment to
the zoo’s mission.
21. Ability and
willingness to work over-time as needed.
22. Performs other
duties as assigned.
23. Maintains strict
confidentiality.
24. Willingness to
participate in conservation field research.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
Education and
Experience
GED or High School
Diploma is required and a minimum of 2 years of paid experience in animal care.
Associates or Bachelor’s degree in related field is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills,
and Abilities
This list contains
knowledge, skills, and abilities that are typically associated with the job. It
is not all-inclusive and may vary from position to position:
Required technical skills include the knowledge and
ability of:
- Computer operations and technical software applications.
- Microsoft Office Suite.
Required mathematical skills include working knowledge
of:
- Mathematical concepts and logic.
- Performs basic mathematical formulas and calculations.
Required animal care skills include working knowledge
of:
- Complete behavioral management training and utilize operant conditioning and enrichment techniques within first 90 days.
- Animals’ natural behavior and husbandry practices.
- Animal welfare standards and UHZ’s methods of assessment.
- USDA regulations.
- Ongoing participation in behavioral husbandry (enrichment and training) concept, technique and application.
- AZA standards.
Must possess excellent communications skills:
- Interpersonal conflict resolution method.
- Editing and proofreading.
- Effectively promote organization and services offered.
- Interpersonal communication.
- Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Interpersonal conflict resolution method.
- Editing and proofreading.
- Effectively promote organization and services offered.
- Interact with courtesy and respect to staff, volunteers, and guests.
Must have the ability to:
- Be an effective team player.
- Maintain current certification in the use of a fire extinguisher.
- Knowledge and the ability to use bear spray.
- Accept constructive feedback.
- Learn new tasks.
- Follow written and verbal instructions.
- Apply critical thinking techniques. Analyze and solve problems.
- Prioritize work.
- Ability to manage time effectively and minimize the use of overtime.
- Perform within deadlines.
- Ability to stay focused despite interruptions.
- Deal with stress caused by deadlines.
- Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
- Memory for details.
The incumbent must
always demonstrate judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent
with the values of the Hogle Zoo.
Work Environment
Incumbent performs
in an outdoor environment, exposure to the seasonal elements, dust, and
allergens for prolonged periods of time. Tasks require a variety of
physical activities,
which generally involve muscular strain. Eye, hand, finger dexterity required
to perform essential functions. Must be able to listen and respond to a
handheld radio. Ability to stoop, bend, twist, turn, climb, jump, run when
necessary, and move quickly to avoid dangerous situations. Must be able to walk
on wet and uneven surfaces. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted and 75 lbs.
with assistance. Must be able to push and pull up to 50 lbs. A valid driver’s
license is required. Provide a negative TB test prior to hire date and maintain
TB testing through course of employment.
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