What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Animal Keeper position at City of Garden City (KS)?
The City of Garden City is accepting applications for Lead Animal Keeper with the Lee Richardson Zoo. This position is responsible for the care and maintenance of animals, habitats, related grounds, and facilities. Supervises area staff and other staff as assigned.
- Provides care for animals: prepares diets, feeds, and cleans and maintains habitats, related structures, and surrounding non-public areas.
- Provides behavioral and psychological enrichment for animals.
- Performs daily observation of animals to identify normal and abnormal behaviors related to husbandry/health issues; coordinates with senior staff on animal training programs to facilitate husbandry behaviors.
- Helps train, mentor, and supervise Animal Keeper positions in day-to-day activities. Assists in performance evaluations and hiring of area keepers.
- Communicates questions or concerns regarding medical/health issues of specimens in collection to supervisor. Assists with treatment as directed.
- Communicates with visitors as needed for educational (delivers public talks/demos) and behavioral/safety purposes.
- Maintains landscaping and grounds for and around habitats.
- Documents observations and information on animal health, behavior, diet, enrichment, and facilities for department records.
- Assists with veterinary procedures if needed. Performs basic health care procedures (hoof care, feather, and beak trims, etc.) as assigned.
- Monitors for and disposes of trash and debris in zoo.
- Services and maintains tools and equipment and facilities to ensure safe use, includes opening and closing of facilities.
- Follows all safety rules and regulations, policies, and procedures. Attends regular safety and staff meetings.
Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and behavior. Knowledge of maintenance methods and materials used in the profession. Skill in the use and maintenance of tools and equipment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Ability to receive, understand, and carry out verbal and written instruction, direction, and assignments. Ability to give direction to co-workers or assistants. Ability to perform physical work activities in varying weather conditions. Ability to communicate well and cooperate with others, and to deal with staff, vendors, and public in an effective and positive manner. Ability to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
Education, Certification and Experience:
Valid Kansas driver’s license required. Documented or proven leadership skills and abilities. Documented expertise with a species or taxon relevant to job duties.
Education shall include one of the following: A.S. degree in one of the life sciences with at least five years of full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution.
OR
B.S. degree in one of the life sciences with at least two years of full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution.
OR
Seven years full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution.
Physical Characteristics: Ability to lift up to 75 pounds, push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, carry, shovel, rake, scoop, sit, stand, see, hear, drive, tug, speak and sweep.
Environment: Work is performed in all types of weather. Majority of work is performed outside with indoor work in cages, barns, and compound housing various animals. Weather conditions include extreme, moderate, and temperate cold and heat, snow, ice, fog, rain, sleet, hail, high and gusting winds, humid and dry conditions. Works with chemicals and medications as required. Mission-driven, values-based workplace culture.
Salary : $21 - $26
