Zookeeper- Animal Care 1 & 2 - Randall Oaks Zoo and Park

Department: Park Services- Zoo                                                                              Full-time: Non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Zoo and Park Curator, Assistant Manager and Lead Zookeepers, performs skilled daily tasks related to animal husbandry and zoo maintenance.   

Essential Responsibilities

• Carries out all aspects of daily care of 150 animals; including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, and general upkeep of zoo.

• Maintains clean, safe and organized zoo exhibits, holding areas, service areas, and equipment.

• Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding guidelines

• Monitors animals’ health and behavioral conditions and directs any medical concerns to Manager on Duty, Assistant Manager or Curator.

• After appropriate training period, provides veterinary care to animals such as administering medications, supplementation and provide treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.

• Restraining of animals requiring medical or husbandry care as needed per animal handling protocols.

• Identifies potential safety or maintenance issues and reports them to supervisory staff.

• May participate in delivery of educational programming and/or other public interactions. Must be comfortable with talking to small groups, and display excellent customer service skills.

• Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within our zoo community and park district community as a whole.  

• Supports and works to achieve the Mission Statement, Goals and Objectives of the Dundee Township Park District.

• May operate high risk machines and tools such as tractors, vehicles, tools and procedures particular to animal care and maintenance. 

• Complies with all safety and loss prevention policies.  Must always utilize required Personal Protective Equipment.  Informs supervisor of any unsafe conditions or hazardous work procedures.  Corrects any unsafe conditions, if possible, and instructs co-workers on safety procedures.

Marginal / Occasional Functions

1. Performs  inspection and maintenance on:

• trucks, tractors, a variety of small engine powered equipment
• signs
• flowerbeds, trees, shrubs, turf
• walks and parking lots including snow removal and traffic control

Communication & Customer Service

• Communicates and demonstrates DTPD’s Mission to staff ensuring understanding.
• Develops and maintains positive and effective working relationship with coworkers and to promote and maintain high morale and enthusiasm.
• Demonstrates commitment to organizational team values. Accountability, Communication, Connected to Community, Integrity, Team Oriented
• Ensures that matters of importance are shared to staff in a timely manner.
• Solicits feedback and actively listens to subordinates, peers and patrons.

• Makes recommendations for improvements and efficiencies.
• Attends meetings and participates on teams or committees as required.
• Employee represents the Dundee Township Park District in a professional manner.

Safety & Risk Management

• Maintains a working knowledge of all general and departmental-specific safety rules.
• Immediately reports all accidents and unsafe conditions to the supervisor.
• Cooperates and assists in the investigation of accidents.
• Attends all required safety program and in-service education meetings.
• Treats public complaints and concerns with the utmost attention. Is courteous in all cases.
• Pays strict attention to housekeeping of work area(s) and general facility.

Qualifications

• At least 6 months experience working with animals in some capacity (zoo, farm, shelter), not including household pets.
• At least 18 years old.
• Strong interpersonal, team-building and communication skills.
• Must have a valid IL driver’s license.
• Ability to climb, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach, and crawl.
• Ability to spend long hours on your feet and be able to lift 50lbs regularly.
• Ability to handle regular exposure to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture, inclement weather, cleaning chemicals, animal excrement, dirt and dust.
• Ability to follow applicable safety and OSHA regulations.
• Must be comfortable participating in public presentations.
• Speak, write, read the English language fluently.  Communication in Spanish desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• A working knowledge of the principles and practices of personnel management and an elementary knowledge of budget preparation.
• Good physical condition, sufficient strength, and mobility required.
• Experience in Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to learn additional software and systems required for business transactions.
• Possess good problem solving skills and has capacity to act rationally and calmly in high stress and/or emergencies.
• Ability to pay meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to execute the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Hours Standards

Limited position working up to 40 hours per week March through December.  Scheduled days and times vary.  Weekend and holiday work will be required as well as irregular hours. Position limited to 1560 hours per year.