JOB
The City of Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park is currently seeking a skilled and energetic individual to join the Animal Care team and is accepting applications for a full time Zoo Keeper. This position is responsible for the daily care, feeding and enrichment of animals in the assigned collection or section. Duties include maintaining 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 works with the children's zoo animal as well as the ambassador animals, which include hoofstock, various birds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. This position will primarily be assigned to a specific section of the Zoo but may be reassigned or requested to work in other sections as needed at the discretion of the General Curator.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Monitors health and behavior of all animals within assigned area on a daily basis.Prepares animal feed and feeds animals according to specified diets.Cleans and disinfects animal enclosures and exhibits.Prepares exhibits to present animals in natural settings. This includes props (trees, shrubs, etc.), location of feeding stations and lighting, etc. Provides input to supervisors on exhibit design or modification. Inspects exhibits on a daily basis to assess overall condition and safety; performs minor exhibit and enclosure maintenance as needed. Ensures all safety and security protocols are followed. Under the supervision of the veterinarian, administers oral or injectable medications to animals in the collection. Develops and implements enrichment activities for different animal species. Trains and conditions animals to improve animal management, provide enrichment, and promote visitor education. Maintains appropriate and detailed records including, but not limited to daily animal behavior, feeding schedules, dietary needs, health problems, treatment schedules, enrichment and training, etc. Assists in the capture and/or physical/chemical restraint and transportation of animals. Participates in emergency drills. Maintains proficiency with darting equipment and firearms, and serves on the firearms and emergency response teams. Monitors zoo facilities to ensure the safety of zoo patrons and employees. Assists with a variety of facility maintenance projects as needed. Performs related duties as required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Tasks require a variety of physical activities generally involving muscular strain. Physical demands may occur in activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, lifting, etc. Talking, hearing and seeing required in the daily performance of job duties. Exposure to weather, environmental hazards and dangers resulting from working around dangerous animals and equipment. Mental application utilizes memory for details, emotional stability and discriminating thinking and creative problem solving.