Student Worker Para Prof-Birds Team

Job Details

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

• Job ID: 83381
• 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 Care/Birds
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift; between the hours of 6:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M, 8 hour shifts
• Days of Work: Sunday – Saturday. Days and hours vary based on programs.
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $17.58 - $20.58 / hourly
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep
• End Date: Mid-May 2028
• 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: mid-May to early September, each year; for up to three (3) years.

This position is anticipated to continue until mid-May 2028 or until the selected candidate completes their educational program, whichever comes first.

No person may be employed as a student worker for more than 36 total months.

This position performs basic husbandry for the animals in the summer exhibit collection and assists with work in the seasonal and farm exhibits. Responsibilities include preparing and feeding established diets, cleaning and maintaining safe, secure, and sanitary animal habitats and exhibit spaces, and ensuring appropriate welfare of the animals in a manner that supports the Minnesota Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The incumbent operates fleet vehicles to move around the Zoo campus.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Assist with cleaning of animal habitats, exhibit areas, grounds and public spaces, and staff workspaces and perform shifting of animals according to established protocols so that animal, public, and staff areas are clean, sanitary, attractive, and properly maintained and animals are safe and properly secured at all times.
• Assist with preparing and feeding animal diets as established so that the highest level of animal health is maintained.
• Assist in implementing animal exhibit demonstrations so that guests receive accurate information on the biology, natural history, and conservation of the species in an educational and entertaining manner.
• Assist with observing and recording animal behavior activities so that data are available to improve animal management and exhibition.
• Assist with implementing animal training and enrichment program so that animals are provided with optimal care and quality medical, physiological and psychological well-being.
• Assist with implementing animal treatment plans so that the highest level of animal health is maintained.

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
• Interpersonal communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate and work with colleagues and guests from different backgrounds with courtesy, respect, and interest in positive problem-solving
• Ability to follow basic record keeping procedures
• Ability to operate equipment to accomplish assigned tasks such as basic hand tools, light power tools, motorized equipment and personal computers
• Ability to understand and perform assigned tasks without constant reminders
• Ability to work weekends, nights and holidays as needed
• Current valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Skills in the areas of animal management

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.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions for long periods of time throughout the day
• Ability to negotiate all types of terrain
• Ability to occasionally shovel soil, manure
• Ability to move up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Ability to push/pull up to 90 pounds
• Ability to bend and crouch occasionally throughout the day
• Ability to climb stairs occasionally throughout the day
• Ability to tolerate loud noises occasionally throughout the day
• Ability to wear N95 face masks/respirators

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.