Student Worker Para Prof-Animal Health Team

Job Details

Working Title: Student Worker Para Prof-Animal Health Team
Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID: 83388
• Location: Apple Valley
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Intermittent
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/21/2025
• Closing Date: 02/10/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoo Gardens-Insuff Wk Tm
• Division/Unit: Animal Care, Health, Conservation & Behavior/Animal Health
• Work Shift/Work Hours: 7:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $17.58 - $20.58 / hourly
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep
• End Date: September 30, 2025
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

These positions are limited with an intermittent fluctuating work schedule depending on the season and event needs, and may work up to 40 hours per week. The specific days and hours per week will vary and include evenings, weekends, school breaks, and holidays.

Estimated work timeframe: March 12 to September 30, 2025.

This position provides field and routine veterinary technician assistance for the animal collection at the Minnesota Zoological Gardens. The incumbent must be able to drive fleet vehicles throughout the Zoo campus.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Perform cleaning, daily care, animal training and observations of hospitalized and quarantined animals.
• Prepare, deliver and/or feed animals according to established diet protocols and within daily deadlines so that the highest level of animal nutrition and animal health is maintained.
• Assist the Animal Health team in delivering the medical program to reduce suffering, morbidity, and mortality and promote a healthier animal collection.
• Provide general support to the animal health department ensuring all documentation and records are accurate, completed in a timely manner and accessible and all regulatory requirements are met.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To be eligible for appointment as a Student Worker you must be a student enrolled in an educational program or planning to enroll within three months. Students may be "off" for the summer or for one semester/quarter and remain employed as student workers, but such absences cannot exceed one semester/quarter in a year. As a student you must be enrolled in a post-secondary or graduate program. If a student is enrolled at a credit-granting institution he/she must carry at least six semester (nine quarter) credits. If enrolled at a non-credit granting institution or one that only offers one credit per class, a student must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load shall be treated as a semester/quarter off. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least two courses or making progress on a dissertation. You will be asked to complete an Educational Verification form prior to appointment, and every (6) six months thereafter. Must be at least 16 years of age and a student enrolled in high school or a post-secondary or graduate program or planning on enrolling within three (3) months.

Other requirements:

• Must be a student enrolled in high school or a post-secondary or graduate program or planning on enrolling within three (3) months
• Educational background in education, environmental education, wildlife management, biology, natural resources, environmental studies, or related field
• Must be a student enrolled in high school or a post-secondary or graduate program or planning on enrolling within three months
• Ability to observe and accurately and completely report and record animal behaviors and activities
• Ability to understand and apply technical/scientific information that relates to the care and health of animals in human care
• Experience assisting with anesthesia, surgery, radiology, parasite control procedures, nutrition, medical therapy, and post-mortem procedures as applied to an extensive variety of exotic animals
• Computer skills with business applications, such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, etc., sufficient to enter data and create, edit, save, and send emails, reports, or other documents
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing sufficient to provide direction and training to staff and guests
• Ability to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year post-secondary coursework in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources, Ecology or closely related animal science field. Ability to learn and understand the basic biology of multiple exotic or wildlife animal species.
• One (1) year of professional level work experience as a veterinary technician assistant in exotic animal medicine at a zoological park, veterinary college affiliated with a zoo, or private practice affiliated with a zoo with large diverse exotic clientele (or aquarium).
• One year experience working with and caring for animals including preparing animal diets, feeding animals, maintaining sanitary animal living conditions, observing animal behavior, and maintaining animal records.
• Familiarity with regulatory matters and epidemiology of disease

Physical Requirements

• Current rabies vaccination and negative TB or ability to become Rabies vaccinated and complete a negative TB test within the probationary period and complete ongoing Rabies titer testing. The MN Zoo will cover the cost of your vaccines if you schedule your appointment through our occupational health clinic, upon hire.
• Able to work all days of the week and all shifts, as needed
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach upward, twist and have good lateral movement
• Ability to perform large amount of walking and walk up and down stairs and ladders
• Ability to perform tasks requiring heavy use of arms, wrists, and exertion of upper body, arms and hands to perform duties
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year-round sometimes on uneven terrain
• Able to work with potentially dangerous exotic and domestic animals
• Able to provide medical care for the animal collection under all weather conditions
• Exposure to a wide variety of pesticides and potentially dangerous equipment and machinery on a regular basis
• Ability to differentiate colors
• Ability to move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to shovel to clean animal areas and work areas
• Ability to tolerate loud noises throughout the day
• Ability to wear N95 face masks/respirators
• Hand/finger coordination to loose and tighten, prepare food, hand feed occasionally
• Able to work with animals with potential zoonotic diseases
• Able to work with narcotics for use in animal immobilizations which can be life-threatening to humans

Additional Requirements

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check including fingerprinting
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

State of Minnesota is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Veteran’s Preference:

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Cyndee Robinson at cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us or 651-539-6601.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Cyndee Robinson at cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

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.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid sick leave
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.