Keeper II ZU

Louisville Metro Government; Kentucky; On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisville Metro Government is seeking a dedicated zoo animal care attendant to clean, feed, and provide general care for animals across an assigned area. The role works under close supervision per established procedures and contributes to the safety and welfare of the animals.

Key duties include assisting veterinarians, participating in animal enrichment, and supporting public education demonstrations. A valid driver's license and flexible schedule may be required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with at least 12 college semester hours in Agriculture or Biology.
• One year of documented experience working directly with non-domesticated/exotic animals in an institutional setting (e.g. Zoological Park, Aquarium or Wildlife Park, or Veterinary Clinic).
• High school diploma or the equivalent.
• Three years of documented experience working with non-domesticated/exotic animals in an institutional setting (e.g. Zoological Park, Aquarium or Wildlife Park, or Veterinary Clinic).
• Meets regular and punctual attendance standards and any special needs of the position as determined by management, including mandatory overtime.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and serves food and water to animals.
• Reports births, deaths, injuries, and irregular behavior of animals to the supervisor.
• Operates a vehicle or equipment to transport animals, or to pick up and deliver supplies and materials.
• Cleans exotic animals' living areas.
• Assists veterinarian with sick or injured animals.
• Participates in hand rearing of animals.
• Transfers exotic animals from one cage to another.
• Answers patrons' questions about the Zoo and the animal collections.
• Conducts minor repairs and improvements of exhibits.
• Provides and performs animal enrichment activities.

Skills

Exotic animal experience

Education

Associate degree in Agriculture or Biology

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The purpose of this position is to clean, secure and provide general care for animals in an assigned area of the Zoo.

This class works under close to general supervision according to set procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Prepares and serves food and water to animals
• Reports births, deaths, injuries, and irregular behavior of animals to the supervisor
• Operates a vehicle or equipment to transport animals, or to pick up and deliver supplies and materials
• Cleans exotic animals' living areas
• Reports misbehavior of guests to supervisor
• Works in confined spaces depending on assigned area
• Assists veterinarian with sick or injured animals
• Participates in hand rearing of animals
• Transfers exotic animals from one cage to another
• Answers patrons' questions about the Zoo and the animal collections
• Conducts minor repairs and improvements of exhibits
• Provides and performs animal enrichment activities
• Performs related work as assigned

GLACIER RUN

• Enters pool on a daily basis using Scuba equipment to clean underwater surfaces
• Leads and participates in pinned swim with program

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate degree with at least 12 college semester hours in: Agriculture or Biology
• One year of documented experience working directly with non-domesticated/exotic animals in an institutional setting (i.e. Zoological Park, Aquarium or Wildlife Park, or Veterinary Clinic)

OR

• High school diploma or the equivalent
• Three years of documented experience working with non-domesticated/exotic animals in an institutional setting (i.e. Zoological Park, Aquarium or Wildlife Park, or Veterinary Clinic)

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Meets regular and punctual attendance standards and any special needs of the position as determined by management, including mandatory overtime, and performing related work
• Must participate in an employee preventive health care program
• Must participate in an operant conditioning program
• Must work a varied schedule
• Must participate in public education demonstrations and educational programs
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Lifts and carries items weighing over 50 pounds in a team setting
• Sufficient mobility, vision and hearing are needed to ensure a safe work environment

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen
  • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions
  • Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife
  • Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors
  • Traffic; Moving machinery
  • Electrical shock; Heights
  • Radiation; Disease/pathogens
• Works in the elements of the weather

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.