Zoo Keeper Assistant

General Purpose The City of Idaho Falls is accepting applications for a Part- Time (30 hour per week) Zoo Keeper Assistant for the Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park. Performs a variety of skilled duties related to the care and maintenance of captive wildlife and domestic animals. This position may be assigned to one particular area of the zoo or may work in multiple areas. Applicants must be willing and able to work with all ambassador and kid's zoo animal taxa within the zoo which include hoofstock, various birds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the supervision of the Animal Care Supervisor and General Curator. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None. Essential Functions Monitors health and behavior of all animals within assigned area on a daily basis. Prepares animal feed and feeds animals according to specified diets. Cleans and disinfects animal enclosures and exhibits. Prepares exhibits to present animals in natural settings. This includes props (trees, shrubs, etc.), location of feeding stations and lighting, etc. Inspects exhibits on a daily basis to assess overall condition and safety; performs minor exhibit and enclosure maintenance as needed. Ensures all safety and security protocols are followed. Trains and conditions animals to provide enrichment and promote visitor education. Maintains appropriate and detailed records including, but not limited to daily animal behavior, feeding schedules, dietary needs, health problems, treatment schedules, enrichment and training, etc. Assists the Zoo Keeper staff in the capture and/or physical/chemical restraint and transportation of animals. Participates in emergency drills. Maintains proficiency with darting equipment. Monitors zoo facilities to ensure the safety of zoo patrons and employees. Performs keeper chats and other public encounters using the ambassador animals. Performs related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications 1. Education and Experience: A. Graduation from a 4-year college with a degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Behavior or a related field. OR B. An equivalent combination of education and experience. 2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of the general care of animals; operation of light equipment, such as pick-up; operation of common hand and power tools; basic math and writing skills. Ability to understand and follow routine verbal or written instructions; ability to learn quickly and adapt to unique requirements of zoo keeper work; ability to perform strenuous physical labor; ability to work safely in a potentially dangerous work environment; ability to follow established policies and procedures; ability to operate two-way radio; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; ability to use firearms, tranquilizer guns, and other specialized equipment; ability to develop effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public. 3. Additional Qualifications: Must possess or obtain a valid Idaho driver's license. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be willing to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Must maintain First Aid and CPR certifications. Must complete training in use of chemical immobilization equipment. Final candidate must pass a criminal background check 4. Preference will be given to candidates with the following attributes: Experience in animal training or animal handling Experience working with a wide variety of animal taxa Detailed knowledge of USDA and AZA standards Work Environment Tasks require a variety of physical activities generally involving muscular strain. Physical demands may occur in activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, lifting, etc. Talking, hearing and seeing required in the daily performance of job duties. Exposure to weather, environmental hazards and dangers resulting from working around dangerous animals and equipment. Mental application utilizes memory for details, emotional stability, discriminating thinking, and creative problem solving.

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