Cares for dietary, health and environmental needs of native and exotic animals at Zoo Boise. Maintains exhibits and assists with transportation of animals. Interacts with the public and provides information regarding animals and Zoo activities and events. Works independently under general supervision.
Essential Functions
Ensures animal health and safety by making regular observations and inspections of cages, facilities, and animal behavior. Creates and maintains records such as animal descriptions, sex, diet, and behavioral characteristics. Investigates cases of unusual animal behavior, and reports behavior to veterinarian. Prepares food for animals with regards to species, natural eating behavior and foods, special diets or circumstances, and recommended frequency. Takes direction from veterinarian to administer required medications. Performs cleaning duties in and around cages, zoo grounds, and as directed. (55%)
Creates and provides enrichment opportunities for animals such as scent manipulation, puzzle feeders, altering design and layout of cages, and related items to engage animals, as well as to prevent irritation and stress. Trains animals to exhibit specific behaviors. (15%)
Conducts various presentations, tours, and classes for groups, individuals, and related public events. Creates educational activities for schools and classes. Interacts with the public and answers questions. (10%)
Works on projects throughout zoo facilities. Builds, adjusts, and repairs animal exhibits. Performs various facility maintenance tasks such as cleaning, changing light bulbs, landscaping and lawn maintenance, hauling bark, minor repairs, and unloading animal food stuffs. Follows a specific routine for certain tasks. (10%)
Assists with veterinarian procedures. Transports animals to locations throughout the zoo. Builds transport crates. Attends zoo specific trainings. Ensures compliance with regulations and standards. Receives training in the proper use of blow and dart guns, shotguns, immobilizing drugs, control poles, and squeeze cages. (10%)
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. Total Percentage = 100%
Requirements
Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training Requires education and/or experience to attaing the following:
High school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience working with small to large non-domestic animals in a similar zoo facility or farm environment.
Working knowledge of environmental, health, and dietary needs of animals; animal restraint and capture techniques; basic facility maintenance; typical behaviors of a variety of animals; zoo operations; public relations techniques.
Ability to build and maintain large cages; make exhibit repairs while ensuring safety of coworkers and general public; operate hand and power tools; properly feed, care for and handle a wide variety of animals; make presentations to a variety of groups; utilize guns and related emergency equipment; operate a computer with demonstrated proficiency at an appropriate level for efficient job performance; display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of City of Boise employees and the public; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations; maintain prompt and regular attendance; and perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training Bachelor's degree in a related field; three years of experience working with large animals in a zoo or farm setting, with extensive experience building animal containment areas.
Licensing And Other Requirements Valid State Issued driver's license.
Special Requirements All applicants must be able to successfully pass City of Boise background check processes which include reference checks and criminal history checks.
Applicants must be able to pass, or have:
Driving Record Check
Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
This position is required to qualify and maintain qualification standards to carry firearms.
Working Conditions
The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Efforts While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 20 lbs, rarely lifting/carrying up to 75 lbs. Also the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 20 lbs, occasionally pushing/pulling up to 75 lbs. The noise level is frequently loud. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell, touch and feel. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, run, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.
Working Environment The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, with areas of dust, odors, mist, gases or other airborne matter. Employees work in/at places where they are exposed to mechanical hazards. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. . Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids, and chemicals. This position works: