What are the responsibilities and job description for the Zoo keeper position at MN Zoological Garden?
This Animal Care Technician 3 position provides animal and habitat care and maintenance so that healthy, well-adjusted animals, and attractive, instructive exhibits are presented to guests of the Minnesota Zoo in a manner that supports the Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.
The incumbent ensures appropriate welfare of the animals. The incumbent operates fleet vehicles to move around the Zoo campus.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to :
- Perform animal husbandry procedures as established so that the highest level of animal health and exhibition are maintained.
- Perform maintenance and general cleaning of habitats and work areas as assigned so that a neat and clean appearance and pleasant and safe experience are provided for all guests.
- Prepare, present, and participate in interpretive programs for Zoo guests, staff, and / or volunteers so that staff and guests receive accurate information on the biology, natural history, and conservation of the species in an educational and entertaining manner.
- Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.
Experience Required
Minimum Qualifications
One (1) year of experience as a full-time Zookeeper at a zoo or aquarium; OR Three (3) years full-time experience in an established laboratory or field research program involving vertebrate animals and data collection;
responsible work experience in a laboratory animal colony or veterinary hospital involving direct animal care and maintenance.
Experience must be within the last ten (10) years and include all of the following :
- Observation of animal behaviors,
- Preparation and feeding of animal diets,
- Preparation and maintenance of detailed animal records, and
- Maintenance of sanitary animal living conditions.
- Creating goal-based enrichment items
- Customer service skills sufficient to work with co-workers and guests courteously and respectfully.
- Ability to interpret technical literature that relates to the health and management of animals.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity
- Valid driver’s license Preferred Qualifications
- College degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education, Ecology or closely related field.
- Experience working with and caring for animals at an AZA accredited Zoo or aquarium including preparing diets, feeding animals, maintaining sanitary animal living conditions, observing animal behavior, and maintaining animal records.
- Experience training marine mammals for medical behaviors, enrichment, exercise, and public interpretation / educational programs.
- Experience interpreting animal behavior and providing species specific information to guests.
- Experience with public interpretation of animals, animal behavior and training.
- Experience working with animals in an ambassador setting, including handling and presenting for educational programs for large audiences, small audiences, and / or small groups .
- Ability to work as a firearms team member.
Perks
Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.
Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe.
Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.
Last updated : 2024-05-03