Animal Keeper

City-of-Garden-City,-Ks; Garden City (KS); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Garden City, Kansas, is seeking an Animal Keeper for the Lee Richardson Zoo to care for and maintain animals, habitats, grounds, and related facilities.

You will perform daily animal observations, assist with veterinary procedures, provide enrichment, and support education programs and public demonstrations. Work is outdoors in varying weather; a Kansas driver’s license and life sciences education or substantial animal handling experience are required.

Qualifications

• Valid Kansas driver’s license required.
• A.S. degree in life sciences with at least two years of full-time animal experience in an accredited institution.
• B.S. degree in life sciences with animal experience, or five years of full-time animal experience in an accredited institution.

Responsibilities

• Provides care for animals, prepares diets, feeds and cleans habitats and related areas.
• Perform daily observation of animals to identify health or behavioral issues and assist with training.
• Assist with veterinary procedures and basic health care tasks as directed.
• Provide behavioral and psychological enrichment for animals.
• Communicate with visitors for educational talks and demonstrations.
• Maintain habitats, grounds, and facilities for safe operation.
• Document observations and information for department records.
• Assist with training for new keepers or seasonal staff.

Skills

Animal care

Diet preparation

Biology knowledge

Behavior knowledge

Safety procedures

Public communication

Vehicle operation

Physical strength

Education

AS degree in life sciences

BS degree in life sciences

5 years experience with animals

Job description

The City of Garden City is accepting applications for Animal Keeper with the Lee Richardson Zoo. This position is responsible for the care and maintenance of animals, habitats, grounds and facilities, as well as some clerical responsibilities.

• Provides care (prepares diets for, feeds and cleans) for animals and maintains habitats, related structures, and surrounding non-public areas.
• Perform daily observation of animals to identify normal and abnormal behaviors related to husbandry/health issues; coordinate with senior staff on animal training programs to facilitate husbandry behaviors.
• Communicate questions or concerns regarding medical/health issues of specimens in collection to supervisor. Assist with treatment as directed including administering medication.
• Provides behavioral and psychological enrichment for animals.
• Communicate with visitors as needed for educational (delivers public talks/demos) and behavioral/safety purposes.
• Disposes of trash and debris in zoo.
• Maintains landscaping and grounds for and around habitats.
• Services and maintains tools and equipment and facilities to ensure safe use, includes opening and closing of facilities.
• Follows all safety rules and regulations, policies and procedures. Attends regular safety meetings.
• Assists with training for new keepers or seasonal staff as assigned.
• Documents observations and information on animal health, behavior, diet, enrichment, and facilities for department records.
• Assists with veterinary procedures if needed. Performs basic health care procedures (hoof trims, etc.) as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Skill in the use and maintenance of tools and equipment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and behavior. Knowledge of maintenance methods and materials. Ability to receive, understand, and carry out verbal and written instruction, direction, and assignments. Ability to perform physical work activities in varying weather conditions. Ability to communicate and cooperate with city employees and to deal with the public in an effective and positive manner.

Education, Certification and Experience:

Valid Kansas driver’s license required.

A.S. degree in one of the life sciences with at least two years of full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution;

OR

B.S. degree in one of the life sciences with experience working with animals;

OR

Five years full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution.

Environment: Work is performed in all types of weather. Majority of work is performed outside with indoor work in cages, barns and compounds housing animals. Weather conditions include extreme, moderate and temperate cold and heat; snow, ice, fog, rain, sleet, hail, high and gusting winds, humid and dry conditions. Works with chemicals as required.

Surfaces: Sand, gravel, dirt, asphalt, concrete, rock, clay, indoor & outdoor ponds and waterfall. Some chemicals and medication involved.

Physical Characteristics: Ability to lift up to 75 lbs., push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, carry, shovel, rake, scoop, sit, stand, see, hear, drive, tug, speak and sweep.