What are the responsibilities and job description for the Zoological Care Specialist II/III - FT Ambassador Animals position at FRESNOS CHAFFEE ZOO CORPORATION?
Job Details
Level
Experienced
Job Location
Facility - Fresno, CA
Salary Range
21.43 - $26.52 Hourly
Job Posting Date(s)
End Date
04 / 08 / 2025
Description
This role is responsible for the daily care, feeding, enrichment, wellbeing, and training of animals within the Ambassador Animal collection. The collection includes a wide variety of species, such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and small mammals including degus, opossums, skunks, burrowing owl, tarantula, pythons, and various lizards and tortoises, and more. This position will also assist with ambassador breeding programs for prehensile tailed porcupines, six-banded armadillos, and northern tree shrews. Additionally, the position covers animal husbandry, training, and presentations at the Valley Farm exhibit, which features various goat breeds. The ideal candidate will work closely with both the animals and the zoo's guests, providing educational experiences on and off grounds while maintaining high standards of animal care.
G ENERAL PURPOSE
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.
Full-Time employees receive our comprehensive compensation package which includes 100% employer paid Medical / Dental / Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is $21.43 - $26.52 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience.
This position will primarily be assigned to a specific animal team but may be reassigned or requested to work in other sections as needed at the discretion of the Animal Management team.
E SSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets at designated times; sees that animals have sufficient water that is refreshed regularly throughout each day.
- Implements effective behavioral enrichment for selected animals.
- Observes animals' behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address observed behaviors.
- Maintains accurate feeding, health, and welfare records of assigned animals.
- Thoroughly cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures and ensures cleanliness throughout the day. Maintains adequate stock of all section supplies and reports low inventory levels to manager in a timely manner.
- Exercise good judgement when making choices that affect our collection.
- Effectively trains animals in designated section according to zoo policies and procedures.
- Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section.
- Assists the Emergency Response team in animal events.
- Watches for and immediately reports any vandalism or animal welfare concerns.
- Completes animal welfare assessments as assigned by manager in the allotted time frame and works with team to problem solve welfare concerns.
- Crates and moves animals as directed, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.
- Provides training and guidance to seasonal Zoological Care Specialist, Zoological Care Specialist 1, and volunteers assigned in the section.
- Performs special assignments and projects as requested and assists with other shifts as needed.
- Ability to safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo's facilities and offsite.
ZCS III - Essential Accountabilities
M ISSION
WE INSPIRE PEOPLE TO CARE FOR ANIMALS, CREATE CONNECTIONS, BUILD COMMUNITY, AND SAVE WILDLIFE.
V ISION
A JUST FUTURE THAT BEGINS WITH US AND MAKES POSSIBLE A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE THRIVE TOGETHER.
O RGANIZATIONAL P ILLARS
WILDLIFE SCIENCE - Creating environments for animals to thrive
COMPANY CULTURE- Promoting personal and professional staff fulfillment
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS - Fostering a sense of belonging and connection to our mission
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS - Striving for sustainability in our business and operations
E DUCATION AND JOB Q UALIFICATIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Salary : $21 - $27
