What are the responsibilities and job description for the ANIMAL KEEPER - AUSTIN position at Texas Disposal Systems?
JOB SUMMARY
The Animal Keeper is part of a team responsible for the safety, health and well-being of animals housed at the Exotic Game Ranch. This position prepares diets, tracks daily animal collection inventories and writes health and behavior assessments, reports unusual conditions regarding an animal’s health and administers medications and dietary supplements.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare diets, alerting supervisor when supplies or feed needs ordered.
- Make a daily inventory of the animal collections, provide daily assessments of the health and behavior of the animals and record them in the animal care database.
- Immediately report any unusual condition regarding the animal’s health to the supervisor.
- Prepare other written reports as requested.
- Participate in capturing, restraining, and moving animals.
- Administer medication and dietary supplements as directed.
- Clean and maintain the areas within each exhibit and other animal-related areas (e.g., the holding pens, kitchen, barns, etc.)
- Report any maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to supervisor.
- Participate in the animal enrichment program.
- Assist with neonatal care and husbandry as directed.
- Occasionally lead visitor tours.
- Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or its equivalent
- At least two years of experience in a zoo, wildlife preserve, veterinary clinic or field work
- Experience with animals, including but not limited to birds, primates and carnivores
- Knowledge of animal care in captive situations and related handling techniques
- Experience with animal restraint
- Excellent written and verbal communication in English
- Ability to follow instructions
- Ability to work effectively with peers and management
- Ability to work nights, weekends or holidays, when scheduled
- Reliable transportation