Facility

Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, Arkansas

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

JOB OBJECTIVE:
To provide supervision to assigned Zoo personnel,
ensuring the proper care of animals and facilities in the elephant and large hoofstock section of the Zoo.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Provides supervision to Animal Keepers and other
assigned Zoo personnel in a designated area of the Zoo; ensures that duties such as feeding, cleaning, and special projects are completed; ensures observance of safety procedures; provides training for assigned personnel and volunteers. Develops, implements, and maintains best practices in the care of elephants and large hoof stock through modern principles relating to captive care. Observes animals in assigned area for injuries or symptoms of disease, and significant changes in behavior or physical appearance; reports changes and problems to supervisor; recommends to supervisor changes in animal activity schedules, diets and displays to assist animals’ psychological and physiological well-being, based on the results of research and input from Animal Keepers; implements approved changes.
Develops, maintains, and monitors operational guidelines and procedures; assists in implementation of goals and objectives; recommends new procedures and methods for improving efficiency and effectiveness; implements upon approval. Completes daily reports, listing projects status and condition of animals; determines what special projects are needed, through research and from review of Animal Keeper reports and input; recommends special projects and implements upon approval. Prepares list of animals needing medical attention during the routine
visit of the Zoo veterinarian; provides assistance to the veterinarian by capturing and restraining animals, trimming claws, and completing lab forms; ensures prescribed medication is administered to animals, either orally with food or by injection; contacts veterinarian in emergency situations. Ensures food is prepared for animals according to established diets; ensures animals are fed according to established schedules; ensures that dietary and nutritional standards are met; prepares feeding schedules and diet cards. Answers questions and provides information about animals or displays from members of the public; serves as a tour guide;
educates visitors about the Zoo, specific animals, animal diets, handling, habitat, mistreatment and harassment of Zoo animals; presents information to various groups and conducts animal shows. Recommends repairs to exhibits and building enclosures; ensures the performance of maintenance and minor construction work on buildings, enclosures, equipment and other special projects; notifies supervisor of necessary repairs. Maintains plant life in displays and enclosures by watering and fertilizing as necessary; sprays or spreads approved chemicals to exterminate pests, diseases or unwanted plants. Notifies supervisor of needed supplies, tools, and equipment;
requisitions or purchases upon approval. Operates various hand and power tools to clean and repair animal enclosures. Provides special handling, training, and transportation for animals as required. Operates automatic transmission automobile/truck and standard (manual)automobile/truck in the performance of essential job functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Animal Keepers,assigned part-time employees, and volunteers.

Education and Pre-requisites

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
These knowledge, skills, and abilities are usually, although not always, acquired through the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Husbandry, Animal Sciences, or related area, two (2) years of experience in the care of elephants and other large hoofstock in a controlled environment, based on departmental need, and one (1) year of supervisory experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. REQUIRED LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS: Class D Non-
Commercial Drivers License before employment

Compensation and benefits

HIRING/ENTRY SALARY: $30,180 – $38,328

Application instructions

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
ONLY On-Line Applications Accepted.
Application and Supplemental Questions required by closing date.
Applications will be screened for minimum qualifications.
Applicable experience must be included in the on-line application/electronic work history.

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.lrjobs.net

CLOSING DATE: 06/03/15 11:59 PM