DUTIES: Under the supervision of the Curator of Animals, the Assistant Animal Keeper is responsible for:

• Caring for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo’s collection.
• Cleaning and disinfecting displays and off-site areas in a timely and efficient manner.
• Keeping work areas and public areas neat and orderly.
• Preparing and distributing diets, assisting in the formulation of diets and the procurement of animal needs.
• Crate preparation & animal transport.
• Assisting in the handling of, administration of medication to, assisting in surgery, and record keeping of medications to assigned string.
• Aiding in the acquisition and distribution of consumable products
• Necessary to maintain a wild animal population. Submits requests for animal supplies, expenditures and bills to Curator of Animals.
• Maintaining accurate records and paperwork necessary to maintain a captive animal population.
• Participating in preventative medicine/procedures and reports animal health concerns to the Curator of Animals or Manager, serves as liaison with veterinarian as needed.
• Recommending procedures for animal care, researches and recommends animals for acquisition/disposition. Sets goals and objectives based upon review.
• Participating in behavioral enhancement for the animal collection.
• Reporting all malfunctions of heating, plumbing, mechanical and electrical equipment and submitting maintenance needs to the Manager and maintenance staff.
• Reporting emergencies and unusual situations to appropriate personnel.
• Performing routine maintenance tasks as needed. Assisting in exhibit repair ad construction.
• Ensuring exhibits are properly maintained for the species displayed and the general public.
• Assisting in programming and promotions of the zoo to include working with volunteers. May required to provide programming on an on-going basis.
• Wearing proper designed uniform during regular zoo hours.
• Assuming responsibility for knowing, being trained and following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed.
• Following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Supports all aspects of the Park District’s safety program.
• Performing other duties assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to reach, walk, pull, kneel, squat and bend at the waist and knees.
• Ability to understand and complete record keeping and paperwork relative to job duties.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Education:Two year college degree in related field preferred. Although a degree is preferred, extensive experience in a like position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.

Experience:One year of experience in the care and maintenance of wild and/or domestic animals required. A combination of education and experience may substitute.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Basic knowledge of characteristics, diet, habits and well-being of wild and domestic animals.
• Aptitude for on-the-job training and ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work harmoniously with the public and fellow employees in a positive and cooperative manner.
• Must be dependable, courteous and able to work with people of all ages.
• Ability to provide the best possible image of the Park District so that the public respects and appreciates the Pak District, its facilities and the quality of its programming.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers
• Requires a valid drivers’ license.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.