Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Imagine if you were given an opportunity to connect with others who want to keep our community the most livable and safe it can possibly be. Are you looking for a full-time position working with animals? If so, you may be a great addition to our Zoo Team. Make a difference with the City of Hutchinson!

The Small Carnivore Zookeeper performs the full range of activities required for the care and management of animals in our collection. This position includes working around animals that are considered dangerous or potentially dangerous. This keeper should have previous experience working with and around carnivores, have a strong sense for safety, understand the principals of operant conditioning, and have good time management skills. This position includes but is not limited to working with Ocelots, North American River Otters, North American Beavers, Swift foxes and Red foxes.

A DAY IN THE LIFE:

Animal Husbandry and Care:

• Clean and disinfect animal habitats, holding areas, and exhibit features according to established protocols. Collect and dispose of waste and refuse.
• Prepare and provide food and water to animals based on prescribed diets and feeding schedules.
• Clean and sanitize feeding stations, dishes, and other animal care equipment.
• Apply knowledge of animal natural history and individual species characteristics to identify and care for assigned animals.
• Monitor and document animal behaviors, health status, food consumption, and fecal output to ensure optimal well-being.
• Perform species-specific care tasks such as bathing, grooming, and nail or hoof trimming as required.
• Administer first aid, medications, and treatments to animals as directed by veterinary staff.
• Stay current on best practices in animal husbandry through ongoing learning and training.

Animal Enrichment and Well-being:

• Collaborate with veterinarians and zoo leadership to develop and implement goal-based enrichment plans for assigned animals.
• Conduct regular enrichment activities to enhance animal physical and mental health.
• Develop and follow behavioral husbandry plans for animal training, healthcare participation, and behavioral restraint.
• Regularly assess the well-being of animals and adjust care plans as necessary.
• Maintain detailed records of animal care, medical treatments, enrichment activities, and well-being assessments.
• Work with other staff and external facilities to ensure best practices in animal welfare are followed.

Facility Maintenance:

• Inspect and maintain animal areas to meet Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards.
• Conduct daily checks to ensure the safety and security of animal habitats and public spaces.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs of animal habitats, furnishings, and substrates to ensure clean and safe environments.
• Implement pest control measures under the guidance of supervisors.
• Assist in opening and closing zoo facilities and provide security during public hours.
• Collaborate on exhibit design, development, and renovation projects as needed.

Guest Engagement and Education:

• Interact professionally with zoo visitors, answering questions about the animals and zoo operations.
• Deliver educational presentations to guests and participate in formal and informal outreach programs.
• Promote the zoo's mission and engage with the community to foster a positive public image.
• Assist guests during emergencies and guide them to safety when necessary.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Supervise and coordinate animal care volunteers, interns, and new staff.
• Participate in staff meetings, safety training, and emergency response drills.
• Monitor inventory of animal care supplies and communicate needs to supervisors.
• Assist with wildlife rehabilitation, including intake, examinations, and ongoing care as needed.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR SUCCESS:

EDUCATION:
A minimum of an associate degree in zoo science or a related field from an accredited college or university is required. Bachelor's degree in an applicable science-related field is preferred. Prior paid experience in the animal care industry may be a substitute for a degree.

EXPERIENCE:

One to three years of hands-on work experience in a zoological, wildlife park or closely related environment is required. Prior experience in behavioral husbandry and veterinary treatment techniques is preferred. Wildlife rehabilitation experience is preferred. The employee is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well within six months of employment.

C ERTIFICATIONS/LICENSE: Must have or be able to obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within 6 months of employment. This employee must possess a valid Kansas Driver's License.

OTHER:

Flexible work schedule required. Weekends and some evenings are required. Follow city guidelines for vaccinations, including rabies, TDAP, etc. Subject to pre-employment screenings, background and drug testing.

The City of Hutchinson employs 400 employees that serve our community every day. City employees make Hutchinson a great place to live, work, and play. We take pride in our work and it shows. Come be a part of a workforce that makes a difference! We're always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team.

City of Hutchinson is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

All employees will be asked to consent to background and drug screening prior to starting employment.

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