What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Animal Curator position at City of Boise?
Zoo Boise connects our guests with animals to inspire and engage our community in wildlife conservation worldwide. We are seeking a dedicated and experienced individual to assist in leading our team of Zookeepers in the care and treatment of our diverse animal collection. This role involves overseeing daily zoo operations in the absence of management and veterinary staff, maintaining official records of all zoo animals, managing training and safety drills for staff, and ensuring the upkeep of exhibits and facilities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills, independent judgment, and a passion for animal care and conservation.Ensures animal health and safety by making regular observations and inspections of cages, facilities, and animal behavior. Creates and maintains records such as animal descriptions, sex, diet, and behavioral characteristics. Investigates cases of unusual animal behavior, and reports behavior to Zoo Operations Leadership. Serves as a relief keeper when needed and as Lead Area Keeper in the absence of a lead keeper. Prepares food for animals with regards to species, natural eating behavior and foods, special diets or circumstances, and recommended frequency. Takes direction from veterinarian to administer required medications. Performs cleaning duties in and around cages, zoo grounds, and as directed. Assists with veterinarian procedures as needed. Transports animals to locations throughout the zoo. Attends and leads various zoo specific training such as animal escape procedures, safety procedures, new animal orientations, etc., and ensures compliance with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation, and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards. Receives and provides training in the proper use of blow and dart guns, shotguns, immobilizing drugs, control poles, and squeeze cages. Adheres to all rules and regulations as outlined in the Animal Welfare Act and Standards for AZA accreditation.
Creates, updates, organizes and maintains official record of all zoo animals. Manages records and other documentation required by federal and state regulation for animal collection. Reviews and reports documented behavior on individual animals to appropriate federal and local agencies. Ensures all proper permits and licenses are maintained. Acts as liaison to several regulatory agencies for updated information and reports. Assists with securing all animals for acquisition and disposition. Organizes the safe transport of animals to and from the zoo. Responds to surveys and inquiries to verify the presence of designated animal species, population counts and historical specimen data. Prepares routine and special reports concerning the animal's physical and behavioral health
Assists with scheduling and coordination of projects throughout zoo facilities. Assigns work to Zoo Keepers, schedules repairs and maintenance. Resolves safety issues that arise. Designs, builds, adjusts, and repairs animal exhibits. Performs various facility maintenance tasks such as cleaning, changing light bulbs, landscaping and lawn maintenance, hauling bark, minor repairs, and unloading animal food stuffs. Oversees zoo facilities and operations in the absence of zoo management and veterinary staff including dealing with zoo emergencies. Assists with the ordering and planning for animal food budget and supports Friends of Zoo Boise through the supervision of Commissary staff.
Creates and provides training for staff regarding appropriate enrichment opportunities for animals such as scent manipulation, puzzle feeders, altering design and layout of cages, and related items to engage animals, as well as to prevent irritation and stress. Assists zoo keepers with training of animals to exhibit specific behaviors. Creates, coordinates and maintains Zoo Boise training and safety drill program. Ensures zoo training are completed annually. Tracks and records all training. Coordinates special projects as needed.
Conducts various presentations, tours, and classes for groups, individuals, and related public events. Interacts with the general public and answers questions regarding animals, zoo activities, and upcoming events.
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Bachelors degree in biology, zoology, fish and wildlife, research, or animal records management field; three years of Zoo operational experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education.
Working knowledge of dietary, environmental, health and medical need of a wide variety of native and exotic animals; proper use of immobilizing drugs; zoo exhibit and facility maintenance; customer service techniques.
Ability to provide training to employees; make presentations to a variety of groups; resolve maintenance related problems; maintain large cages that can safely and efficiently house small to large animals; make exhibit repairs while ensuring safety of coworkers and general public; operate hand and power tools; properly feed, care for, and handle a wide variety of animals; qualify and maintain qualification to carry firearms; utilize guns and related emergency equipment in the event of an escaped animal; display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of City employees, the general public and other organizations; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations; maintain prompt and regular attendance; perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Four years experience as a Zoo Keeper in an AZA accredited zoo; bachelor's degree in a related field; and previous experience as a lead keeper or supervisor.
Licensing And Other Requirements
Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:
City of Boise background check processes, which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
Driving Record Check
Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
This position is required to exercise custodial responsibility for illegal drugs or precursors.The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds. Also, the employee is occasionally pushing/pulling up to 35 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.
Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals.
This position works: weekends and holidays as needed.
Creates, updates, organizes and maintains official record of all zoo animals. Manages records and other documentation required by federal and state regulation for animal collection. Reviews and reports documented behavior on individual animals to appropriate federal and local agencies. Ensures all proper permits and licenses are maintained. Acts as liaison to several regulatory agencies for updated information and reports. Assists with securing all animals for acquisition and disposition. Organizes the safe transport of animals to and from the zoo. Responds to surveys and inquiries to verify the presence of designated animal species, population counts and historical specimen data. Prepares routine and special reports concerning the animal's physical and behavioral health
Assists with scheduling and coordination of projects throughout zoo facilities. Assigns work to Zoo Keepers, schedules repairs and maintenance. Resolves safety issues that arise. Designs, builds, adjusts, and repairs animal exhibits. Performs various facility maintenance tasks such as cleaning, changing light bulbs, landscaping and lawn maintenance, hauling bark, minor repairs, and unloading animal food stuffs. Oversees zoo facilities and operations in the absence of zoo management and veterinary staff including dealing with zoo emergencies. Assists with the ordering and planning for animal food budget and supports Friends of Zoo Boise through the supervision of Commissary staff.
Creates and provides training for staff regarding appropriate enrichment opportunities for animals such as scent manipulation, puzzle feeders, altering design and layout of cages, and related items to engage animals, as well as to prevent irritation and stress. Assists zoo keepers with training of animals to exhibit specific behaviors. Creates, coordinates and maintains Zoo Boise training and safety drill program. Ensures zoo training are completed annually. Tracks and records all training. Coordinates special projects as needed.
Conducts various presentations, tours, and classes for groups, individuals, and related public events. Interacts with the general public and answers questions regarding animals, zoo activities, and upcoming events.
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Bachelors degree in biology, zoology, fish and wildlife, research, or animal records management field; three years of Zoo operational experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education.
Working knowledge of dietary, environmental, health and medical need of a wide variety of native and exotic animals; proper use of immobilizing drugs; zoo exhibit and facility maintenance; customer service techniques.
Ability to provide training to employees; make presentations to a variety of groups; resolve maintenance related problems; maintain large cages that can safely and efficiently house small to large animals; make exhibit repairs while ensuring safety of coworkers and general public; operate hand and power tools; properly feed, care for, and handle a wide variety of animals; qualify and maintain qualification to carry firearms; utilize guns and related emergency equipment in the event of an escaped animal; display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of City employees, the general public and other organizations; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations; maintain prompt and regular attendance; perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Four years experience as a Zoo Keeper in an AZA accredited zoo; bachelor's degree in a related field; and previous experience as a lead keeper or supervisor.
Licensing And Other Requirements
Driving Record Check
Proof of negative TB test in last 12 months or ability to attain upon hire
Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:
City of Boise background check processes, which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
Driving Record Check
Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
This position is required to exercise custodial responsibility for illegal drugs or precursors.The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds. Also, the employee is occasionally pushing/pulling up to 35 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.
Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals.
This position works: weekends and holidays as needed.
Salary : $58,470 - $65,149
