Animal Keeper

Position Summary

At HFE it is our goal to bring families closer together and to create memories worth repeating. Our Core Values - greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and constantly improving - give us purpose and guidance. The position requires a dedicated individual who will take direction from the curator, area supervisor, Senior Biologist, and / or Director of Zoological Operations in carrying out all exhibit operations of the assigned animal collection, as well as other related projects and programs. This includes all aspects of animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance, and holding area management. This position will participate in and assist with the development of the animal training program, which will consist of behavioral demonstrations presented to the public on a scheduled basis by the trainers. Responsibilities will also include maintaining organized written records pertaining to animal health, feeding, and behavioral observations.

Essential Functions

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions Statement

• Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
• Clean, organize, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as nighthouses, exhibits, and stables, and equipment, such as shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows as needed ensuring compliance with Wild Adventure and USDA standards as a minimum.
• Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities
• Order, unload, and store feed and supplies.
• Collect and record animal information such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake
• Observe and caution children petting and feeding animals in designated areas to ensure the safety of humans and animals.
• Install, maintain, and repair animal care facility equipment such as infrared lights, feeding devices, and cages.
• Contribute to the care and well-being of zoo animals. Working with supervisors, curators and zoo directors to determine the best way to house animals, identify exhibit or containment concerns, maintain their habitats and manage facilities.

Required Skills

Position Qualifications

Competency Statment(s)

Work Environment

The position requires outdoor work in all weather conditions and in the presence of dust and odors. Team members are susceptible to exposure of various chemicals, bodily fluids, and blood-borne pathogens, and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Required Experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

N (Not Applicable)

Activity is not applicable to this position.

O (Occasionally)

Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5 hrs / day)

F (Frequently)

Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5 hrs / day)

C (Constantly)

Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5 hrs / day)

Physical Demands

Lift / Carry

Stand

Walk

Manually Manipulate

Reach Outward

Reach Above Shoulder

Climb

Crawl

Squat or Kneel

Bend

10 lbs or less

11-20 lbs

21-50 lbs

51-100 lbs

Over 100 lbs

Push / Pull

12 lbs or less

13-25 lbs

26-40 lbs

41-100 lbs

Other Physical Requirements

Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth)

Sense of Sound - must hear at long-range

Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - googles, dusk musk, face shields, ear plugs, gloves

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)