Facility
Utah’s Hogle Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is seeking candidates with polar bear, pinniped, grizzly bear, and otter experience who are interested in working as a keeper in the Rocky Shores area. This person filling this position may also be trained in other animal areas of the zoo. At the zoo we look for employees who are passionate about conservation, who approach their daily work with a can-do attitude, who are resourceful, who communicate respectfully with everyone, and who are ready to work hard to support the zoo towards the mission of Creating Champions for Wildlife.
POSITION SUMMARY
Performs daily care of exotic and/or domestic animals, cleaning and maintaining guest areas, service areas, holding areas, and exhibit areas. Maintains extensive animal records relating to health, diet, behavior, and overall welfare. Supports Utah’s Hogle Zoo’s conservation efforts. Hourly position.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
This position reports directly to the assigned Animal Care Supervisor.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Effectively monitor health, behavior, and overall welfare of assigned resident animals and communicate changes to the supervisory team and/or veterinary staff. Oversee and administer medications as prescribed.
2. Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of assigned animals including training, enrichment, research, and education.
3. Maintain extensive animal records.
4. Clean and maintain holding and exhibit areas consistent with established professional standards.
5. Coordinate area schedule of husbandry and building maintenance tasks.
6. Develop, revise and update area protocols and checklists in a timely manner.
7. Ensure compliance with USDA regulations.
8. Develop and coordinate animal enrichment, training, and related schedules.
9. Ensure inspection of exhibits and surrounding areas – follow up on written requests for needed repairs, upgrades or attention.
10. Actively support and implement area policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the assigned resident animals and the safety of staff and guests.
11. Maintains knowledge and competency in current professional animal practices.
12. Positively promote and foster a work environment that improves department function and productivity.
13. Oversee activities of assigned area interns and volunteers.
14. Must be dependable and willing to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays.
15. Demonstrate the ability to perform a variety of jobs and flexibility in working in a variety of areas.
16. Train fellow keepers, volunteers, and interns.
17. Knowledge and responsibility for hand tools, vehicles, and equipment.
18. Make minor repairs to exhibits and enrichment devices.
19. Assist with tours and educate guests, donors, and staff.
20. Commitment to the zoo’s mission and participate in Champions for Wildlife activities.
21. Ability and willingness to work overtime as needed.
22. Performs other duties as assigned.
23. Maintains strict confidentiality.
Work Environment
The incumbent performs in an outdoor environment, exposure to the seasonal elements, dust, and allergens for prolonged periods of time. Tasks require a variety of physical activities, which generally involve muscular strain. Eye, hand, finger dexterity is required to perform essential functions. Must be able to listen and respond to a handheld radio. Ability to stoop, bend, twist, turn, climb, jump, run when necessary, and move quickly to avoid dangerous situations. Must be able to walk on wet and uneven surfaces. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted and 75 lbs. with assistance. Must be able to push and pull up to 53 lbs. A valid driver’s license is required. Provide a negative TB test prior to hire date and TB testing through the course of employment.
Education and Pre-requisites
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
Education and Experience
GED or High School Diploma is required; Associates or Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred. A minimum of 2 years of paid experience in animal care is required, preferably in an AZA facility.
SCUBA and dive tending experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
This list contains knowledge, skills, and abilities that are typically associated with the job. It is not all-inclusive and may vary from position to position:
Required technical skills include the knowledge and ability of:
• Computer operations and technical software applications.
• Microsoft Office Suite.
Required mathematical skills include working knowledge of:
• Mathematical concepts and logic.
• Performs basic mathematical formulas and calculations.
Required animal care skills include working knowledge of:
• Complete behavioral management training and utilize operant conditioning and enrichment techniques within the first 90 days.
• Animals’ natural behavior and husbandry practices.
• Animal welfare standards and UHZ’s methods of assessment.
• USDA regulations.
• Ongoing participation in behavioral husbandry (enrichment and training) concept, technique, and application.
• AZA standards.
Must possess excellent communications skills:
• Interpersonal conflict resolution method.
• Editing and proofreading.
• Effectively promote organization and services offered.
• Interpersonal communication.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Interact with courtesy and respect to staff, volunteers, and guests.
Must have the ability to:
• Be an effective team player.
• Maintain current certification in the use of a fire extinguisher.
• Learn how to use and carry bear spray.
• Accept constructive feedback.
• Learn new tasks.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Apply critical thinking techniques. Analyze and solve problems.
• Prioritize work.
• Manage time effectively and minimize the use of overtime.
• Perform within deadlines.
• Stay focused despite interruptions.
• Deal with stress caused by deadlines.
• Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
• Remember details.
• Pass a safety check to swim and tread in cold water.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a drug-free workplace. All employees are subject to random drug testing.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Compensation and benefits
Fulltime and benefited.
Application instructions
All applicants need to apply at: https://www.hoglezoo.org/jobs_volunteers/job_openings