What are the responsibilities and job description for the VHE Animal Keeper position at Oregon Metro?
Position Summary
Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.
The Oregon Zoo has a reputation for leading groundbreaking research, participates in local and global conservation efforts, and strives to exceed AZA animal welfare standard. The zoo is also deeply committed to sustainability and conservation education. Thanks to a generous $380 million voter approved bond measure, the zoo is transforming into a game changing facility welfare, species and habitat conservation outcomes, and green building practices.
We are excited to provide an opportunity to join the team as a Variable Hour Animal Keeper in the Primates area. If you ‘re passionate about wildlife and have a deep interest in primates, this could be the perfect role for you.
In this position, you’ll play a vital role in the care and well-being of primates, including chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, monkeys, lemurs, and other small mammals. As an Animal Keeper, you’ll be responsible for a variety of tasks, including day-to-day husbandry activities and other essential activities that contribute to the health and enrichment of the animals in our care.
As the Animal Keeper - Primates you will:
- Observe animals to identify normal and abnormal behavior, reproductive behavior, eating habits, health problems, injuries, and adjustment to diet changes or response to medication. Identify and report concerns to supervisor; Involvement in corrective actions.
- Stay up to date on current industry care standards for the designated species, including but not limited to feeding strategies, introduction methods, breeding and rearing practices, social management, training practices and strategies, and engaging enrichment.
- Utilize the principles of operant conditioning to facilitate daily husbandry, behavioral modification, and medical procedures.
- Service a variety of animal environments including cleaning and disinfecting cages, yards, pools, and food and water receptacles.
- Check conditions of animal environments to assess security and safety for animals. Initiate corrective actions for deficiencies.
- Feed animals in a species-specific manner, report on consumption and recommend diet modifications as needed Instigate or provide suggestions for enrichment programs/items which demonstrate knowledge of designated species’ natural biology and individual animal needs; provide designated enrichment to species under care.
- Administer medications, as prescribed by veterinarians. Inform veterinarian and supervisor of response to medication or other treatments and address concerns as needed
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Perform or assist with general husbandry tasks, regularly communicate with supervisor regarding husbandry.
May assist with capture, restraint, or segregation of animals for transfer or medical treatment. - May be involved with developing materials for education purposes and presenting education materials to the public. Conduct informative and professional talks and tours through area of responsibility.
- Keep concise, objective records regarding diet, daily animal health and behavior, births, deaths and transfers.
- Maintain animal care standards and works in compliance with all USDA and AZA rules, regulations, and guidelines, as well as safety rules, OSHA standards, work rules, and Zoo and area policies and procedures
- Contribute to a positive team atmosphere thorough the daily coordination of work with colleagues, supervisors, gardeners, custodians, security, maintenance and other zoo staff
- Effectively communicate to managers, team members other zoo departments and guests.
Attributes for success:
- Knowledge of animal husbandry practices for species under care
- Comfort and experience working with exotic and potentially dangerous animals in a safety-oriented work environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Contribute to a positive team atmosphere and contribute in a close, team-oriented environment. Ability to successfully train animal behaviors from inception through completion.
- Passion for animal care and conservation.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum qualifications:
- Three years professional animal keeper experience, including at least one year with primates and one year experience with dangerous exotic animals AND
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related subjects relevant to the care of zoo animals OR
- Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.
Required
- Current valid driver's license
Additional Requirements
- Additional medical testing and/or immunizations (not already stated in this announcement) may be required as the duties of this position may require close contact with animal areas and enclosures where animals may be present.
Shift and schedule: In a variable hour position your schedule will vary based on operational needs, weather conditions, and special events at the zoo, including school breaks, holidays, and summer.
Variable hour positions are limited to 1040 hours of work in a 12-month period.
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:
If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Preferred Skills
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
- Experience working with Great Apes.
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
- Completion of online application
- Complete responses to supplemental questions
The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.
- Initial review of minimum qualifications
- In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates Consideration of top candidates/interviews
- Testing/assessments (if applicable) Reference check
- Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)
REPRESENTATION
This variable hour position is eligible for overtime and is represented by LiUNA 483. It is classified as an Animal Keeper VH (Download PDF reader).
Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.
These positions are classified as variable hour. Variable hour employees cannot work more than 1,040 hours per year.
Questions?
Recruiter: Christina Rentas
Email: Christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov
Additional Information
Equal employment opportunity
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.
Accommodation
Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
Veterans' preference
Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Hybrid Telework
Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
Pay equity at Metro
No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
Online applications
Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
How to Apply
For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page.
Government Jobs
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As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.
This is a variable hour position with no guarantee of hours. The position is eligible for these benefits:
- Paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave
- Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement if eligible and qualified.
- No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
- Employee Assistance Program
Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.
Learn more about employee benefits.
Some variable hour positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.
View union contracts here.
Salary : $31