Zoological Care Specialist II/III - Full Time Ambassador Animals

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.

GENERAL 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.

ESSENTIAL 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

• Writes protocols and routines for assigned section and updates standard operating procedures and other section protocols as assigned by Zoological Area Manager

• Assists Zoological Animal Manager in the planning and coordinating of daily operations within the animal care section.

• Provides training and guidance to seasonal Zoological Care Specialist, Zoological Care Specialist 1 and 2, and volunteers assigned in the section.

• May apply for studbook Zoological Care Specialist, program leader, institutional representative, and other committee roles on AZA programs.

MISSION

WE INSPIRE PEOPLE TO CARE FOR ANIMALS, CREATE CONNECTIONS, BUILD COMMUNITY, AND SAVE WILDLIFE.

VISION

A JUST FUTURE THAT BEGINS WITH US AND MAKES POSSIBLE A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE THRIVE TOGETHER.

ORGANIZATIONAL PILLARS

WILDLIFE SCIENCE – Creating environments for animals to thrive

• Outstanding animal care
• Research-driven animal wellness
• Meaningful connections
• Transformative exhibits
• Effective global and regional conservation 

COMPANY CULTURE– Promoting personal and professional staff fulfillment

• Collective success
• Career growth and development
• Commitment to staff well-being and happiness

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS – Fostering a sense of belonging and connection to our mission

• Premier cultural destination
• A sense of belonging for all 
• Equitable access
• Environmental and social justice
• Trusted leader in conservation and sustainability
• Rooted in the Central Valley

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS – Striving for sustainability in our business and operations

• Sustainable business model
• Continued community support (Measure Z)
• Compelling brand
• Modeling green practices

EDUCATION AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• ZCS II: Minimum 18 months related experience in a zoological or wildlife facility or ZCS III: Minimum five (5) years related experience in a zoological or wildlife facility.
• Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public. Bilingual skills a plus.  
• A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.

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.  

• This position is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel; use hands and arms for care of animals and cleaning of enclosures.  Regularly required to climb stairs or ladders.
• The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds, and occasionally a team lift to 75 pounds.
• Evaluating animal health, diet, or environment requires sight, hearing and sense of smell.
• Visual acuity to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal behavior. Color perception is also required.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The position functions both indoors and outdoors, with potential exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather.
• The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with risk of animal bites (including venomous), zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury. 
• The employee may be required to work at heights.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Salary : $21 - $27