Animal Keeper

Duties: Under the supervision of the Animal Curator, the Animal Keeper will be responsible for:

• Care for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo’s collection.
• Clean and disinfect displays and off-site areas in a timely and efficient manner.
• Clean and disinfect dishes, pans, and utensils used in diet preparation and animal care. Participate in all aspects of kitchen clean-up.
• Keep work areas and public areas neat and orderly.
• Prepare and distribute diets, assist in the formulation of diets, and the procurement of animal needs.
• Assist in the handling of, administration of medication to, assisting in surgery, and record keeping of medications to assigned string.
• Aide in the acquisition and distribution of consumable products necessary to maintain a wild animal population. Submit requests for animal supplies, expenditures, and bills to the Animal Curator.
• Maintain accurate records and paperwork necessary to maintain a captive animal population.
• Participate in preventative medicine/procedures and report animal health concerns to the Animal Curator or Zoo Director; serve as the liaison with the veterinarian as needed.
• Recommend procedures for animal care, and research, and recommend animals for acquisition/disposition. Meet monthly in animal collection meetings as well as regularly with the Animal Curator to maintain information flow on the animal collection. Set goals and objectives based on review.
• Participate in behavioral enhancement for the animal collection.
• Report all malfunctions of heating, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical equipment and submit maintenance needs to the Animal Curator and maintenance staff.
• Report emergencies and unusual situations to appropriate personnel.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks as needed. Assist in exhibit repair and construction. Ensure exhibits are properly maintained for the species displayed and the general public.
• Assist in programming and promotions of the zoo including working with volunteers. May be required to provide programming on an ongoing basis.
• Wear the designated uniform during regular zoo hours.
• Assume responsibility for knowing, being trained, and following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed.
• Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Support all aspects of the Park District’s safety program.
• Perform 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.