Zookeeper - Birds - ZOO

Sedgwick County; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Sedgwick County's Zoo department is hiring an Animal Care Specialist to provide daily care for the avian collection, monitor incubation, hand-rear neonates, and support welfare assessments. The role includes training, enrichment, and safety compliance within zoo facilities.

The position requires related experience and a valid US driver’s license, with on-call rotation participation and potential overnight travel for animal transfers.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in Biology, Zoology, Animal Care, or a related field.
• Education may substitute up to three years of experience.
• Requires valid US driver’s license without restrictions and current automobile insurance.

Responsibilities

• Care for avian collection daily: feeding, cleaning, monitoring incubation, hand-rearing neonates.
• Observe and report animal behavior and health to veterinary staff and supervisors.
• Develop and implement positive animal training and enrichment.
• Maintain records for training, enrichment, and health observations.
• Inspect facilities for safety, security and maintenance, and assist with transport needs.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Zoology experience

Animal care

Driver's license

Education

Degree in Zoology or Biology

Job description

Department: Zoo

Job ID: 13270

Pay: $20.72 per hour

Work Schedule:

Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation reviews, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. For more detailed information, please visit our benefits page at SCBenefits.

In a team setting provides daily care for avian collection including: feeding, cleaning, monitoring artificial egg incubation, hand-rearing neonates; observing, recording, and reporting behavior. Participates in animal well-being assessment practices. Produces and provides goal-based animal training and enrichment. Inspects facilities for security, safety, repair and maintenance. Interacts and provides customer service to all Zoo-defined customers. Job duties may extend to other animal taxa. This position participates in a mandatory on-call rotation.

Animal Care and Management

• Ensure animals are housed and cared for in ways that meet all Zoo-defined goals.
• Observe and understand the complexities of animal behavior, including individual animals and larger social context, animal general health, and behavior.
• Recognize abnormalities and potential medical conditions, and communicate observations of animal behavior and health condition to veterinary staff, supervisor, curator, and other pertinent staff members.
• Handle animals for husbandry needs, medical purposes, and in preparation for transport.
• Monitor incubation process of eggs; record weights and size. Set eggs in incubators, monitor temperature and humidity, candle eggs to determine fertility, and assist in egg hatching, under the direction of supervisor and curator.
• Enter and swim in aquatic habitats, on occasion, but never fully submerges (head stays above water).
• Follow all safety protocols and area SOP's while working with and around delicate, wild and potentially dangerous animals. Complete required training and safely operate all zoo-required equipment for completion of job duties.
• Drive Zoological Society-owned vehicles, as needed, to care for or transfer animals to other zoological facilities. Animal transfer trips may occasionally require overnight travel.

Animal Well-being

• Through consultation with supervisors and other resources, develop and maintain a skillset of positive animal well-being and animal training.
• Use positive reinforcement training to assist with husbandry tasks and to maintain a safe working environment.
• Maintain thorough and accurate record keeping: animal training, enrichment, behavioral observations and health conditions.

Area Maintenance

• Clean and maintain service areas, animal habitats and public areas so they are clean, organized and aesthetically pleasing.
• Complete daily inspections of animal habitats and associated facilities for security and safety concerns.
• Conduct minor repairs to facilities or promptly submits concerns to supervisor.
• Ensure that habitats are ready for public display in a timely manner.
• Communicate any pest control concerns to supervisors or veterinary team.

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of experience in Biology, Zoology, Animal Care, or a related field. Up to three years of experience (all) may be substituted with education that provides applicable knowledge and skills. Per Sedgwick County policy, this is a driving level position that requires a valid US driver's license without restrictions and current proof of automobile insurance.

Preferred Qualifications

Two years of animal care experience. Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques, experience with power tools, experience using a skid steer and bobcat. Degree in Zoology, Biology, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following link.