General Purpose

This position is responsible for the daily care, feeding, and enrichment of animals in the assigned collection or section. Duties also include maintaining the cleanliness of animal enclosures and ensuring that Zoo policies and protocols are followed consistently. This position will regularly interact with Zoo guests to answer questions, provide animal information, and ensure an excellent guest experience.

This position will be assigned to our South America area which includes Rhinoceros Hornbills, Andean Condors, large tropical aviaries, Macropods and other species, but will also be assigned to work in other areas of the zoo as needed at the discretion of the Animal Management team.

Our full time comprehensive compensation package includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is $18.66 - $24.00 per hour.

Essential Accountabilities

• Observes animal behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address observed behaviors.
• Effectively trains animals in designated section according to zoo policies and procedures.
• Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section.
• Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets at designated times; sees that animals have sufficient water that is refreshed regularly throughout each day.
• Performs special assignments and projects as requested and assists with other shifts as needed.
• Watches for and immediately reports any vandalism or animal welfare concerns.
• Completes animal welfare assessments as assigned by manager in the allotted time frameworks with team to problem solve welfare concerns.
• Thoroughly cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures and ensures cleanliness throughout the day. Maintains adequate stock of all section supplies and reports low inventory levels to manager in a timely manner.
• Assists the Emergency Response team in animal events.
• Exercise good judgment when making choices that affect our collection.
• Provides training and guidance to volunteers assigned in the section.
• Crates and moves animals as directed, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.
• Maintains accurate feeding, health, and welfare records of assigned animals.
• Implements effective behavioral enrichment for selected animals.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or Teaching College Certificate from an accredited college or university
• Minimum one (1) year related experience in a zoological or wildlife facility
• Valid California drivers license and good driving record may be required for placement on specific animal teams.
• Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public. Bilingual skills a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.

• Evaluating animal health, diet, or environment requires sight, hearing and sense of smell.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• This position is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel, use hands and arms for care of animals and cleaning of enclosures. Regularly required to climb stairs or ladders.
• The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds, and occasionally team lift up to 75 pounds.
• Visual acuity to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal behavior. Color perception is also required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The employee may be required to work at heights.
• The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with risk of animal bites (including venomous), zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury.
• The position functions both indoors and outdoors, with potential exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather.
• Occasional travel may be required.