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Job Description
This is a promotional opportunity only available to current Career Represented Metro Parks Tacoma employees only.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Zoological Curator and the assigned Head Animal Keeper, perform a variety of skilled duties involved in the care, observation, maintenance, propagation and management of assigned animal species and the presentation of such species to the general public in an educational and attractive manner.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Animal Keeper performs a variety of specialized work including feeding, cleaning, enclosure maintenance, behavioral enrichment, training, observation, animal health care, documentation of behavior and activity and related duties involved in providing overall care to an assigned animal group at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:
• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.
Essential Duties
Observe animal species on assigned schedule to determine physical and behavioral health and well being; check animals for abnormalities and report condition to appropriate Curator or veterinarian.
Provide behavioral training as appropriate and directed for animals assigned to incumbent’s care.
Clean animal exhibits and holding areas to assure the health of animals and the presentation of the species in an attractive environment; remove animal fecal and other material on a regular basis.
Prepare, store and distribute food according to established amounts, types and diets; monitor feeding habits and report any changes or abnormalities; monitor food levels to assure sufficient quantities.
Prepare and administer medications, food supplements and vitamins.
Perform routine maintenance and minor repair of animal exhibits and related systems; prepare new exhibits and input regarding exhibit design and renovation to facilitate cleaning, enhance viewing and improve living conditions for the animals.
Provide appropriate enrichment to animals in assigned areas of responsibility.
Communicate with the public regarding animals and related matters; answer questions and assure proper presentation of animals in various formats.
Maintain records and reports regarding assigned species including animal condition reports; conduct research regarding animal species as needed; prepare daily reports, health reports and other reports specific to the assigned area.
Maintain water quality to keep aquatic animals in a healthy condition as assigned; maintain pumps, filters, filtration devices and various testing equipment.
Perform behavioral observations; patrol assigned areas of Trek and visually check on animals; perform or arrange for corrective action if problems arise.
Move and remove animal species to different areas or exhibits as determined by proper care, feeding and safety methods.
Provide work direction and assist in training volunteers and part-time animal care personnel as assigned; attend staff meetings, educational conferences and seminars as needed.
Communicate with the Zoological Curator and Head Animal Keeper(s) regarding needed supplies, problems regarding exhibits, animal health or public safety issues or concerns.
Communicate with Zoological Curator, Head Animal Keeper(s), and veterinarians regarding animal health matters; provide assistance in catching or restraining animals in accordance with established safety procedures to administer health care.
Provide input regarding the collecting, purchase, transfer, propagation or trading of animal species as needed.
Conduct and/or participate in conservation programs to assist in the propagation, education, enforcement and other activities related to long-term conservation of assigned species.
Help to maintain the safety of animals, employees and the visiting public from injury or mishap.
Operate and maintain a variety of related tools, machinery, and equipment.
Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
Other duties as required
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology or related field and three years related paid experience involving the care and husbandry of animals in a zoo, aquarium, theme park or related environment, preferably in an AZA accredited facility.
LICENSE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
• Valid Washington driver’s license.
• Obtain a valid First Aid and CPR Card within the probationary period.
Additional Information
ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor and outdoor environment.
Adverse weather conditions.
Cold water while caring for animals.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Lifting and carrying heavy objects or animals weighing up to 80 pounds.
Pushing. Climbing. Walking.
Kneeling and crouching to work with and feed animals.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools.
HAZARDS:
Exposure to potentially dangerous and sick animals.
Exposure to animal fecal matter.
Chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise.
Contact with dissatisfied visitors.