Animal Care Team Member

Animal Care Team 1 Full Time Position

Hemker Park & Zoo is located in Freeport, Minnesota and is looking for hardworking, self-motivated, dedicated animal care staff. Currently the park is 20 acres and is expanding with several new exhibits this year. Hemker Park & Zoo prides itself on providing interactive, educational and hands-on experiences for its guests and being stewards for the animals in our care. If you like a fast paced, growth mindset setting come join our team!

Summary:
Hemker Park & Zoo is seeking candidates to join the animal care team. Under direct supervision, the individual in this position is responsible for a wide variety of tasks involving the husbandry of the area species including but not limited to: primates, small mammals, birds and hoofstock, the daily upkeep of keeper and public areas, and interactions with park guests. The individual must be able to carry out the position's duties as described below, with or without reasonable accommodations, and comply with park policies and procedures as they appear in the Employee Handbook and animal care protocols. The individual must also be of sufficient health to carry out these duties on a daily basis without presenting a danger to his/herself or fellow park employees or guests.

Skills and duties: required of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide quality guest experience, and maintain professional working relations with park guests, fellow employees, volunteers, and interns.
• Provide for the care and welfare (husbandry) of assigned animals in the department, such as following prescribed diets and feeding procedures and protocols.
• Cleaning/disinfecting of animal enclosures, holding areas, keeper space, common use space, and the public area surrounding it within Park, USDA and ZAA guidelines.
• Includes upkeep of plant collection as well as minor repairs to exhibits/holding areas.
• Observe animals in the department daily for reproductive behavior, abnormal behavior, or potential health problems, reporting these to the supervisor(s).
• Prepare, distribute, and keep records of animal enrichment
• Train animals using positive reinforcement
• Maintain daily reports: ie. medical, reproductive, dietary, and work orders.
• Provide assistance to the veterinary staff when necessary
• Make presentations, or host animal encounters for park guests
• Observe and report all facility or safety problems to the supervisor.
• Any other duties as requested by the curator or team lead to assist the team.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent, college degree in a related field preferred.
• Must have 6 years or more of experience working with animals in some capacity. Examples include working with animals at veterinary clinics, on a farm, or a zookeeper.
• Excellent public speaking and customer service skills.
• Communicate effectively in English (oral and written), follow oral and written instructions, and use a two-way radio.
• Candidate must possess a valid drivers license
• Vehicle operation is required- use of ATVS, Golf Carts etc... will be necessary.
• Physically able to work in extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions; walking, standing, lifting and carrying up to 50-75 pounds, performing tasks in an environment that requires repeatedly stooping, bending, and climbing.
• Ability to work long hours, weekend, weekdays and holidays
• Use disinfectants, cleansers, and work around dusty enclosures/storage areas.
• Use common hand, power, and yard tools while working from the ground or on a ladder in a safe manner.
• Accept regular weekend, holiday, occasional after hour assignments, and be able to change days off as needed.
• Negative Tuberculosis test results required per ZAA standards
• Adhere to park/departmental policies and safety procedures

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a full time position 40 hours/week (does include every other weekend and some holidays). Base wage is based on experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $14.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• farm and/or exotic animal: 6 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $14 - $18