Zoo Keeper

Be a part of a dynamic team whose common goal is to make a difference in our community.

It is amazing to know that by being a part of the City of Idaho Falls team you would be doing important work for our community that affects peoples lives. Every day brings new challenges and rewards!

Job Description:

General Purpose

The Idaho Falls Zoo owned andoperatedby the City of Idaho Falls is excited to post afull timeAnimal Keeper areseekinga skilled energetic individual to fill thisfull timeZoo Keeper. This positionis a swing position that will beproviding primary support for the carnivoreareawhile alsoassistingwith the care and management of a mixed-speciesarea of the zoothat includes primates birds and other taxa. This position plays a vital role inmaintainingthe highest standards of animal welfare through exceptional husbandry behavioral management enrichment operant conditioning and exhibit maintenance. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the Animal Care team to support the zoos mission of conservation education and excellence in animal care while ensuring a safe enriching and engaging environment for both animals and guests. This position requires flexibilitystrong communicationand observational skills and a commitment to AZA accreditation standards continuous professional development and a collaborative team-oriented role will join a9-keeperteam in caring for a collection of approximately 300 animals; with a diverse collection no two days are the same at the Idaho Falls Zoo!

Southeast Idaho is a year-round outdoor recreationist paradise. We are within 2 hours of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park and just 3 hours from the Salt Lake City International Airport. The zoo is a 7-acre (but expanding!) community attraction that welcomes over 100000 visitors each season. The zoo is closed to the public during the winter months.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of the Lead Keeper and the General Curator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May provide supervision and assistance to seasonal zoo keepers and volunteers.

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. Provides input to supervisors on exhibit design or modification.

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.

Under the supervision of the veterinarian administers oral or injectable medications to animals in the collection.

Develops and implements enrichment activities for different animal species. Trains and conditions animals to improve animal management 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 in the capture and/or physical/chemical restraint and transportation of animals.

Participates in emergency drills. Maintains proficiency with darting equipment and firearms and serves on the firearms and emergency response teams.

Monitors zoo facilities to ensure the safety of zoo patrons and employees. Assists with a variety of facility maintenance projects as needed.

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 related field;

AND

B. Three (3) years of experience in the care of captive wildlife preferably in an AZA institution;

OR

C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Working knowledge of the general care and maintenance of animals; animal biology and behavior; operation of light equipment such as pick-up tractor etc.; 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. Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid Idaho drivers license.

This position is required to work in all weather conditions.

Must be able to lift carry push and/or pull up to 75 lbs unassisted.

Must be able to work evenings weekends and holidays.

Maintain First Aid and CPR Certifications.

Must complete training in use of firearms and chemical immobilization equipment.

Final candidate must pass a criminal background check.

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 and discriminating thinking and creative problem solving.

Disclaimer
The above statements describe the general nature level and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities demands and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment compensation or contract rights to any person or persons. Management reserves the right to add delete or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed with or without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions.

Pay Range:

Benefits:
Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes medical dental vision and life coverage. You will also be eligible for retirement benefits through PERSI. PERSI is a defined benefit plan that offers guaranteed retirement benefits for full-time employees.