Rehab Keeper

Position Summary:

Incumbent will perform routine animal husbandry duties to maintain the care and wellbeing of the animals. This position is responsible for the daily care of wildlife rehabilitation animals, including the administration of regular food, water, and medication. This position will also be responsible for communicating with the public, caring for wildlife admissions, and transferring animals to local rehabilitators. This person will also be responsible for record keeping of both phone calls and animal intakes. This position is responsible for maintaining area compliance with USDA, AZA, and TWRA regulations and standards.

Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees.
• Constantly exhibit a guest centered attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in guest comfort and service.
• Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner and assist guests with questions and directions to various areas of the Zoo. Address the guest- do not wait to be asked.
• Remove trash and debris from public areas; i.e. pick up litter whenever you see it.

Animal Care Duties:

• Cleans animal enclosures, food and water dishes, and rehabilitation building on a daily basis.
• Monitors animal behavior routinely to ensure health and wellbeing.
• Provides appropriate food and water for each individual animal's needs.
• Administers routine medication to animals per written protocols.
• Examine animals upon intake and record on intake form, set up a species and age appropriate enclosures per written protocols and contact appropriate local rehabilitators for transfer.
• Assist veterinary staff with medical treatments, physicals, and procedures as needed for wildlife rehabilitation animals.
• Answer phone calls, check voicemails, and return calls from the public concerning wildlife.
• Screen rescued animals for their need to come in.
• Record phone messages in logbook
• Record intake records into Wild-One system

Other Duties:

• Maintain rehabilitation building and enclosures. This may include cleaning, washing, mowing, trimming, and installing new fixtures in the exhibit.
• Interacts with zoo guests to answer questions, guide guests, or enforce zoo policies.
• Hold chats and/or tours of the rehabilitation building when scheduled.
• Assist with animal meet and greets, interpretations, and encounters on an as needed basis.
• Assists in area training for new employees.
• Assist in the Nutrition Center when not actively working on rehabilitation duties.
• Maintains area compliance with USDA, AZA, and TWRA regulations and standards.
• Assist in the preparation and operation of special events after normal zoo hours as needed.
• Maintain accurate daily records and communicate with other vet and rehabilitation staff.
• This position requires open availability and will require working weekends and holidays.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to crawl, climb, jump, rake, stoop, sweep, bend, lift, reach and lift overhead, kneel, and carry objects for short distances.
• Must be able to lift 75 lbs. and carry 50 lbs. without difficulty.
• Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions including rain, heat, and cold.
• Must be able to operate motorized carts.
• Must possess visual acuity appropriate for animal care and general safety practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge of exotic, wildlife, and/or domestic/farm animal care is preferred.
• Experience in an AZA accredited institution is preferred.

Note: Candidates must pass a Drug Test and Background check to be hired.

The Friends of the Zoo, Inc (Chattanooga Zoo) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Zoo will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

We are committed to an inclusive environment and value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experience of all individuals.