Facility
Hutchinson Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Hutchinson Zoo is looking for an applicant with familiarity with reptiles including experience with venomous species as well as other taxa; is detail oriented and communicates effectively. The ideal candidate should be able to show initiative in developing and growing our reptile collection.
Under the supervision of the Zoo Curator, this position performs the full range of activities required for the care and management of animals in a municipal zoo collection including maintaining a safe, healthy, clean, and attractive living environment and provides courteous assistance to the public. This employee should possess excellent public relation and organizational skills.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Observes, interprets, and documents animal behaviors, health status, and food consumption; advises supervisory staff of problems or concerns; Provides animals with adequate diets, fresh water and activities to maintain animal physical and psychological well-being; Provide care for animals such as vaccinating, worming and other treatments; providing proper habitats for mammals, reptiles and birds; weighing animals;
• Maintains indoor and outdoor cages, enclosures, exhibits, holding cages and service areas by cleaning, disinfecting and performing general maintenance to these areas as needed; Conducts scheduled inspections of their areas and grounds to ensure animal well-being and the security of City property; Assists the veterinarian in the evaluation, diagnosis, medication, and treatment of animals; administers first aid to injured or sick animals;
• Performs preventative or routine maintenance of animal environments including collection, installation, and/or maintenance of furnishings and substrates; Opens and closes zoo buildings and grounds and assists in providing security during public hours; Assists in providing zoo visitors informational, promotional, and educational opportunities.
OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Ability to:
• Operate a weed-eater, lawn mower, department vehicles, tractors, and other department equipment;
• Understand and anticipate problems, to enforce department safety policies and procedures, and to interpret written instructions, wildlife laws, reports, and manuals; and
• Effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.
Knowledge of:
• Animal maintenance and care, department policies and procedures, animal husbandry, and some mathematics.
Skilled in:
• Excellent public relation, organizational, oral and written communication skills.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Working Conditions:
Some adverse working conditions exist within this position. Exposure to blood borne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, work in confined spaces, and all types of weather conditions is expected. This employee handles potentially dangerous animals.
Physical Requirements:
Manual labor including lifting and carrying heavy objects, extensive walking, and the ability to operate departmental equipment is required daily in this position.
Education and Pre-requisites
Experience:
One year of full time paid work experience in a zoological, wildlife park or a closely related environment is required. Employee is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well within one year of employment.
Education:
A bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field and one (1) year of verifiable experience in the care and feeding of a variety of exotic animals is desirable.
Certifications and Licenses:
This employee must possess a valid Kansas Driver’s License.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
To apply or inquire for further information please contact:
Kiley Buggeln, Curator
email: kileyb@hutchgov.com
phone: 620-694-2653