Animal Keeper Part Time

Duties: Under the supervision of the Curator of Animals, the Animal Keeper Part-Time will be responsible for:

• Caring for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo’s collection.
• Cleaning and disinfecting displays and off-site areas in a timely and efficient manner.
• Cleaning and disinfecting dishes, pans and utensils used in diet
• preparation and animal care. Participating in all aspects of kitchen
• clean-up.
• Keeping work areas and public area neat and orderly.
• Preparing and distributing diet, assisting in the formulation of diets and the procurement of animal needs.
• Assisting in the handling of, administration of medication to, assisting in surgery, and record keeping of medications to assigned string.
• Aiding in the acquisition and distribution of consumable products necessary to maintain a wild animal population. Submits requests for animal supplies, expenditures and bills to Animal Curator.
• Maintaining accurate records and paperwork necessary to maintain a captive animal population.
• Participating in preventative medicine/procedures and reports animal health concerns to the Animal Curator or Zoo Director; serves as liaison with veterinarian as needed.
• Recommending procedures for animal care, researches and recommends animals for acquisition/disposition. Meets monthly in animal collection meetings as well as regularly with Animal Curator to maintain information flow on the animal collection. Sets goals and objectives based upon review.
• Participating in behavioral enhancement for the animal collection.
• Reporting all malfunctions of heating, plumbing, mechanical and electrical equipment and submitting maintenance needs to the Animal Curator and maintenance staff.
• Reporting emergencies and unusual situations to appropriate personnel.
• Performing routine maintenance tasks as needed. Assisting in exhibit repair and construction. Ensuring exhibits are properly maintained for the species displayed and the general public.
• Assisting in programming and promotions of the zoo to include working with volunteers. May be required to provide programming on an on-going basis.
• Wearing proper designated uniform during regular zoo hours.
• Assuming responsibility for knowing, being trained and following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed.
• Follows all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Supports all aspects of the Park District’s safety program.
• Performing other duties assigned:
  • Which are reasonably related to the duties described; or
  • Which need to be performed promptly to avoid safety hazards or to protect Park District property; or
  • Which are not generally described in other job descriptions; or
  • When the amount of work exceeds the availability of Park District employees within the appropriate job classification.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to reach, walk, pull, kneel, squat, and bend at the waist and knees.
• Ability to understand and complete record-keeping and paperwork relative to job duties.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.