Job Description

Under close supervision of the Zoo Director or Curator, this position is responsible for the care of Zoo animals, training of less experienced staff, and the maintenance and operation of Zoo grounds and facilities.

Typical Duties

• Writes orders and takes delivery of food for Zoo animals.
• Prepares feed and water for Zoo animals.
• Observes animals and reports signs of illness or injury, treats minor injuries or ailments, and reports serious illnesses or injuries.
• Maintains written records on Zoo animals, maintenance, and operations.
• Bathes and grooms Zoo animals.
• Care for and feed infant animals according to specific requirements.
• Responds to visitor inquiries to inform the public about Zoo regulations, facilities and animals.
• Performs general maintenance, repair and construction of Zoo grounds and improvements.
• Ensures medical facility and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained.
• Gathers and disposes of animal waste and litter on Zoo grounds.
• Assists in the attainment of department goals and objectives related to Master, Strategic and Comprehensive Plans.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly with City Administration, department directors, consultants, vendors, staff, and the public to provide quality services.
• Participates various projects. Keeps immediate supervisor fully and accurately informed on issues.
• Identifies areas of concern for management for review and potential action.
• Assists and participates in the execution of short and long-range plans.
• Ensures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time.
• Assist with design of behavior modification and enrichment programs for animals, including implementation of those programs.
• Serve as a designated lead worker.
• Guide, monitor and train less knowledgeable and experienced employees.
• Possess knowledge and understanding of USDA requirements and ZAA Standards.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Equivalent to a high school diploma

• Three (3) years’ experience caring for animals in a zoological setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that would likely produce the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Valid driver’s license equivalent to a New Mexico Class D.

• Municipal organization operations, policies and procedures.
• Tools, equipment, materials, and methods used in zoo and facilities maintenance.
• Methods of routine plumbing, carpentry, and concrete construction work.

• Use of hand and power tools and other general cleaning and maintenance equipment.
• Effective verbal communication.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, City staff, and the public.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist. Lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight.
• Use repetitive hand movements, fine coordination and manual dexterity which permits the employee to operate standard office equipment and computer systems, and hand and power tools.
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing to permit the employee to discern verbal instructions, use a phone, radio, and communicate with others and operate motor vehicles.
• Sufficient visual acuity which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions.

• Work typically performed outdoors with frequent travel to various sites and facilities of a zoo environment.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services.
• Occasional work beyond normal business hours.
• Required to work in or with water, on slippery or uneven surfaces, with exposure to a variety of domestic and wild animals, airborne particles, potentially toxic and/or caustic chemicals, and extreme temperatures, travel from site to site, work around traffic.
• Use of safety shoes, glasses and other equipment is required.
• Position is subject to drug testing and regular driver’s license monitoring in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Clovis policies.