Facility
Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Summary: This position advances the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo’s mission and goals by providing for the security and integrity of all facilities and for the animal collection. We seek a candidate that has experience with a variety of taxa including participation with medical treatment and hand restraint. The position requires strong observational skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, solid problem solving skills, computer related skills and the ability to maintain solid working relationship with staff, visitors, volunteers and contractors. All zookeeper positions will follow all rules and regulations set by the USDA.
Essential Functions:
• Performs daily routine duties of the zoo and Raptor Center, such as feeding, exhibit maintenance and diet preparation.
• Assist with veterinary procedures.
• Inspect all facilities and animal specimens through careful touring of zoo grounds, buildings, animal holding areas, and service areas.
• Notes any mechanical, structural, security, or collection issues and immediately contacts the appropriate staff.
• Work in conjunction with other staff members to fulfill the zoo’s strategic and master plans.
• Conduct zoo tours, keeper talks and outreach programs.
• Captures, handles and moves animals using accepted zoo practices to facilitate shipping, medical procedures, or normal routines.
• Provides care for a specific species of zoo animals through administration of preventive treatments and medications, prepares approved diets, and feedings as needed.
• Coordinates the efforts of contractors and maintenance staff when they are working in animal areas.
• Record data and prepare assigned reports/records, (i.e. daily reports, maintenance requests etc.) and other pertinent data on the collection and facilities as required.
• Participates in occupational health programs due to potential exposures to zoonosis.
• Interact with guests formally and informally.
• Maintains satisfactory working relationships and a professional appearance.
• Follows Great Bend- Brit Spaugh Zoo safety protocols.
• Performs various tasks as assigned.
• Serve as an ambassador for the City of Great Bend as well as the Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo, supporting and conducting efforts to promote conservation and education.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree in an animal-related or animal behavior-related field plus intern experience in the care, feeding, and handling of a variety of exotic animals.
********OR*******
• Associate Degree or equivalent number of college credit hours in an animal-related or animal behavior-related field plus two years of full-time zoo keeping experience in the care, feeding, and handling of a variety of exotic animals.
********OR*******
• Individuals without a degree may be considered only with five or more years of full-time experience at the minimum level of zookeeper involved in the exhibition and husbandry of a variety of exotic animals.
• Knowledge of environmental enrichment and operant conditioning.
• Experience with dangerous animals a plus.
• Ability, with proper training, to work in all aspects of animal care, husbandry and training within the area in which individual is assigned.
• Work on nights, weekends and holidays are required.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Operate a variety of light and medium equipment.
• Clear driving record.
Compensation and benefits
Licensure and Certification:
• Possession of a valid Kansas Driver’s License within three months of hiring.
This is a regular full-time position with excellent benefits including complete medical/dental/vision coverage, 403(b) retirement plan and a generous vacation package. Pay starting at $11.07/hr.
Great Bend- Brit Spaugh Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Application instructions
Please fill out a city application found on our website at www.GreatBendKS.net and include cover letter, resume and three professional references and email to Sara@greatbendzoo.com