Zoo Keeper

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.  Applicants must be willing and able to work with all animal taxa within the zoo which may include hoofstock, lesser apes, primates, dangerous carnivores, various small mammals and large and small birds. 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.

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.

1. Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from a 4-year college with a degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Behavior or related field; AND B. Three (3) years of experience in the care of captive wildlife, preferably in an AZA institution; OR C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of the general care and maintenance of animals; animal biology and behavior; operation of light equipment, such as pick-up, tractor, etc.; operation of common hand and power tools; basic math and writing skills.
 
Ability to understand and follow routine verbal or written instructions; ability to learn quickly and adapt to unique requirements of zoo keeper work; ability to perform strenuous physical labor; ability to work safely in a potentially dangerous work environment; ability to follow established policies and procedures; ability to operate two-way radio; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; ability to use firearms, tranquilizer guns, and other specialized equipment; ability to develop effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public.

3.  Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid Idaho driver's license.
This position is required to work in all weather conditions.
Must be able to lift , carry, push and/or pull up to 75 lbs unassisted.
Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
Maintain First Aid and CPR Certifications.
Must complete training in use of firearms and chemical immobilization equipment.
Final candidate must pass a criminal background check.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.

Salary : $40,581 - $56,285