Salary: $15.00 Hourly
Job Type: Part-time, 29 hrs per week or less
Closing: Continuous

See full details at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/metroparkstacoma/jobs/3272580/zoological-aide-asian-forest-sanctuary

Job Description

Metro Parks Tacoma (MPT) is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community.  Metro Parks Tacoma is located in Tacoma, Washington. The system is comprised of many different park facilities that offer residents a variety of recreational opportunities. From waterfront access to local neighborhood parks to large regional facilities and attractions, the MPT system is both a local community asset and regional destination.
 
OUR CORE VALUES
These eight core values will guide future decisions, business and operations, and the manner in which MPT treats staff, customers and the community:
•Innovation  •Excellence  •Equity  •Inclusiveness  •Sustainability  •Accountability  •Safety  •Fun
 
POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. The 29-acre zoological park was established in 1905, and attracts over 800,000 visitors a year. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), which ensure rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more. The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Point Defiance Zoo is operated by Metro Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington. For more information, visit www.pdza.org

POSITION INFORMATION
Under the direction of the Assistant Curator, this position is responsible for performing specialized work in the care, observation and maintenance of an assigned zoological area at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

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

Under the supervision of full-time Staff Biologists, this position is responsible for assisting with daily maintenance and husbandry of the species in the Asian Forest Sanctuary area; animal diets/food preparation and feeding; exhibit cleaning and general maintenance; animal health observations; medical treatments; record keeping; informal public demonstrations and education interpretation; other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be a high school graduate.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • College experience in biological sciences desirable.
  • Previous animal care experience preferred.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively and follow written & oral instructions.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Additional Information

HOURS:  
This position will be working 29 hours per week on average from hire date. Must be available weekends and holidays and at least 4 days per week.

ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor and outdoor environment.
Adverse weather conditions.
Cold water while interacting with animals.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Lifting and carrying heavy objects or animals weighing up to 50 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 bodily fluids/products.
Chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise.
Contact with irate visitors.
 
METRO PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
 
MPT employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
 
MPT is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource (253) 305-1089 or angelas@tacomaparks.com.
 
Employment is subject to a national background check.
 
This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.