Zookeeper

Facility

Henry Vilas Zoo

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Salary
$25.17 – $27.47 Hourly
Location
Madison, WI
Job Type
Full time (1.0FTE)
Department
Henry Vilas Zoo
Job Number
2021-00775
Closing
11/19/2021 4:30 PM Central
DESCRIPTION
BENEFITS
QUESTIONS
Description
The Henry Vilas Zoo has a vacancy for a Zoo Keeper. We offer a wide range of benefits including fully paid dental and HMO health insurance premiums for full time employees. The County will also provide contributions towards POS health insurance premiums and short/long term disability. Additional benefits available include long term care, vision coverage, flex spending account and deferred compensation programs paid in full by the employee and a wellness program (for further details visit www.countyofdane.com/emprel). Employees hired after 7-1-11 must be expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours annually to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System when hired. Dane County also provides 6 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption of a child.

The eligible list created from this posting may be used for future Zoo Keeper vacancies for the next six (6) months.

Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION
Perform duties necessary to ensure the care of zoo animals and the cleaning and maintenance of zoo enclosures, buildings, and grounds. Provide daily husbandry for a large and diverse zoological collection, maintain facility as needed, and provide a positive experience for guests of the Henry Vilas Zoo.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Prepares food and follows established feeding schedules and prescribed diets. Cleans animal enclosures and performs basic exhibit and grounds upkeep. Provides animals with scheduled enrichment and documents accordingly. Directs and controls animals within and between exhibit spaces. Observes and evaluates animal behavior, social interactions, breeding, etc. to identify animal health issues and overall well being. Assists veterinary staff in the diagnosis and treatment of animals. Accurately records and communicates animal information through use of reporting methods and communication tools. Takes necessary precautions to ensure the safety of workers, animals, and the general public. Assist with minor facility repair and upkeep including some landscaping and snow removal. Picks up, loads, and unloads animal food and supplies. Communicates, assists, and interacts positively with the public. Works effectively and cooperatively with other Zoo Keepers and management staff. Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements
Requires education and experience equivalent to an Associates degree in an animal science related field and a minimum of two years (2) paid experience in the care and maintenance of zoo specimens at an AZA accredited or related facility within the last three (3) years. An associates or bachelors degree cannot be substituted for the two years of paid experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Must be available for work on weekends and holidays with flexibility around shifts. Must be able to work within all jurisdictions. Must not be involved in any felony violation of the Lacey Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, or the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Annual TB testing required.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Physical Requirements
This position is active for the entire shift (standing, walking, stooping, twisting, lifting, bending, pushing, reaching, climbing, crouching and crawling). Must be able to repeatedly lift up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted and heavier loads with assistance. Must have the ability to use hands and feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling and operating controls and equipment. Must be able to maintain prompt and reliable attendance patterns. Must have the ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Exposed to all weather conditions for entire shift. Exposed to dust, hay, dander, fumes, chemicals, and potential injury by animals.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Basic knowledge of all aspects of zoo animal care, including husbandry, operant conditioning and training, animal behavior, habitat enrichment, nutrition, healthcare, reproductive physiology, and animal diseases. Basic knowledge of proper animal handling, feeding, cleaning, and care methods. Ability to observe animal behavior, identify changes and accurately record and report findings. Knowledge of relevant safety precautions and practices. Ability to organize and perform necessary duties in the most efficient, effective, and safe manner. Ability to work efficiently and cooperatively with others. Must have functional reasoning skills and the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, and/or diagrammatic form. Ability to communicate and interact effectively, in writing and orally, with other workers, supervisors, and the general public. Ability to keep daily records related to animal care, wellbeing, feeding, and other relevant information. Ability to perform on the firearms team is preferred.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits