Facility
El Paso Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Note: Recruitment will begin on December 17, 2015
The City of El Paso is seeking a highly motivated and innovative individual to serve in the position of Senior Zoo Keeper. Depending on the vacancy, candidate may be assigned to different areas of the Zoo.
Current vacancy is for Asia 3 area that includes but not limited to: leopard, bear, tiger, siamang and orangutan.
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under general supervision, lead the work of zoo keepers and participate in the care of zoo animals.
TYPICAL DUTIES:
Oversee and provide for the care of zoo animals. Involves: Prepare regular and special diets to feed animals. Feed and water animals. Clean, disinfect and maintain cages, enclosures and exhibit areas as needed. Maintain safety of animals. Monitor animal health and well-being. Report animal illness or injury to appropriate staff. Assist veterinary staff as needed with administering medications, providing treatment and restraining. Provide care for animals by trimming beaks, nails and wing feathers, providing moisture for turtles, reptiles, birds, etc., shearing sheep, weighing animals and other care services as needed. Record animal information such as temperature and consumption to charts. Perform special projects and activities as assigned.
Assist with behavior modification and enrichment programs for animals. Involves: Assist with design of behavior modification and enrichment programs. Utilize system of rewards to condition animal to do things on command. Provide animal with things to play with to relieve stress and boredom. Provide exercise for animals as needed.
Provide assistance to other zoo staff and to the public. Involves: Identify maintenance problems and resolve or report as necessary. Prepare work orders for maintenance. Assist with grounds and landscaping maintenance and construction. Test water quality in aquatic exhibits. Answer questions from other staff and the public regarding zoo animals, exhibits and related.
Serve as designated lead worker. Involves: Guide, monitor and train less knowledgeable employees. Schedule and assign work. Review and check work. Guide others in work processes. Recommend areas for employee skills improvement. Provide input to employee performance evaluation process.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Application of good knowledge of care and feeding of zoo animals.
• Application of some knowledge of exhibit display, design, construction and horticultural enhancement.
• Application of some knowledge of animal enrichment and conditioning techniques.
• Application of some knowledge of American Zoo and Aquarium Association principles and practices.
• Application of some knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Function as Lead Worker as assigned.
• Prepare and feed animals regular and special diet foods.
• Handle and restrain animals.
• Maintain accurate logs and records of animal care and observation and prepare reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the general public.
OTHER JOB CHARACTERISTICS:
• Requires mobility within a zoo environment.
• Works around a variety of animal species with potential for physical harm from bites, kicks, heavy lifting and restraining animals.
• Exposure to infectious diseases from daily contact with exotic and domestic animals including bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral pathogens.
• Exposure to power tools and machinery.
• Driving through zoo grounds and occasionally in City traffic.
Education and Pre-requisites
A High School diploma or GED, and two (2) years of zoo keeper experience.
Licenses and Certificates: Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or equivalent from another state.
Compensation and benefits
Salary: $13.29 hourly
Application instructions
Note: Recruitment will begin on December 17, 2015. Interested applicants must go to www.elpasotexas.gov to apply. Applications are only accepted online. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. This position will close once a preset number of qualified applications have been received.