Animal Keeper I

SAN-Bernardino-Count; Big Bear City (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

MBO wage differential

Job summary

The San Bernardino County Special Districts - Big Bear Park and Recreation is seeking an Animal Keeper I to perform general and routine animal care tasks under supervision at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Located in the mountain area of Big Bear, CA, the role involves feeding exotic animals and assisting with presentations.

Responsibilities include observing animal behavior, training activities, and maintenance around enclosures, all while upholding high Animal Care Standards.

Qualifications

• Six months of animal care experience (paid or volunteer).
• College coursework in zoology or biology.
• Experience with exotic animals preferred.

Responsibilities

• Feed exotic animals and observe their behavior.
• Document animal behavior and care routines.
• Answer questions from the public and assist with presentations.
• Assist with training and enrichment activities for animals.
• Perform maintenance around enclosures and keep areas clean.

Skills

Animal care

Animal handling

Observation

Training

Education

College coursework in zoology/biology

Job description

-THIS IS A SPECIAL DISTRICTS POSITION-

The San Bernardino County Special Districts - Big Bear Park and Recreation is recruiting for an Animal Keeper I to perform general and routine animal care tasks under supervision at the District's Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Primary duties include feeding exotic animals, observing and documenting animal behavior, answering questions from the public, assisting with presentations, animal training, performing maintenance in and around animal enclosures, and maintaining a high level of Animal Care Standards.

This position is located in the mountain area of Big Bear, CA (approximately 1 hour/45 miles from downtown San Bernardino, CA).

For more detailed information, refer to the Animal Keeper I job description.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary ofBenefits and the Non-Represented Employee Compensation Plan.

The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential.

ABOUT BIG BEAR ALPINE ZOO

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a safe haven temporarily while they heal or permanently as they are unable to survive on their own. We are extremely proud that the vast majority of animals brought to us for rehabilitation are successfully released back into their native environment. Those that remain with us on exhibit are either too injured or have been imprinted by humans and cannot be released back into the wild to care for themselves.

The Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, a Special District of San Bernardino County, owns the zoo, the facilities and the animals. County employees are hired for animal care, grounds keepers, maintenance, education and administration. The zoo is located within the 3rd District of San Bernardino County. The Park District oversees the operation of the zoo, and the Curator oversees the day to day activities of the zoo. The zoo is located in the San Bernardino National Forest at an elevation of 7140 feet. For more information visit https://bigbearzoo.org/

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, applicants must undergo a background check, which includes fingerprinting and a medical exam.

Availability: Must be able to work in the mountain area of Big Bear, CA and report to work in extreme weather conditions such as ice and snow. Please indicate availability for Big Bear on Agency Wide Question #2. Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Travel: Travel within the County may be required. A valid California Driver License and proof of automobile liability insurance must be provided at time of hire and maintained throughout employment.

Working Conditions: Applicants must be able to work outdoors in varying mountain weather conditions, drive in all weather conditions, lift and/or carry heavy objects up to fifty (50) pounds, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend over, crawl, and perform other physical activities in the performance of job duties for this position.

Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is unable to consider to candidates who require Visa Sponsorship at this time or in the future. Candidates must be able to present their legal right to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Applicants must meet ONE (1) of the following options:

Option I:

Six (6) months of full-time equivalent paid or volunteer experience involving the care, handling, observation, training, or management of animals.

Qualifying experience may include work in a:

• Zoo or aquarium.
• Wildlife rehabilitation center.
• Animal sanctuary.
• Veterinary hospital or clinic.
• Animal shelter or rescue organization.
• Stable, ranch, farm, kennel, or similar animal-care setting.
• Professional pet-care, training, or animal-handling position.

Option 2:

Thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units of completed college coursework from an accredited college or university, in zoology, biology, animal science, wildlife biology, wildlife management, veterinary technology, environmental science, ecology, or a closely related field.

Animal Keeper experience and training with exotic animals is preferred. Coursework in wildlife rehabilitation/husbandry and a current Veterinary Technician license is highly desirable.

EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.

Veterans’ Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy.

For more important details, review the links below:

Guide to Completing a County Job Application

Applicant Information and the County Employment Process