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SalaryReporting Authority: General Curator
Classification: Non-Exempt – Bargaining Unit Position
Salary: Per Contractual Wage Scale
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Henson Robinson Zoo’s General Curator a zookeeper is
responsible for the overall care of the animal collection, facilities, displays, and exhibits.
They are also involved in enhancing the overall guest experience and maintaining a positive work environment for all employees.
Specific Responsibilities:
Prepare animal diets following the prescribed diets determined by the General Curator and follow proper animal feeding procedures.
Clean animal exhibits, walkways, grounds, and other facilities within exhibit areas in accordance with the established Standard Operating Procedures.
Performs daily observations of animals and exhibit facilities. Reports any abnormalities in animal behavior, animal health, exhibit security, and safety to their immediate supervisor or other member of management.
Must be able to recognize diseases that might occur in captive wildlife. Carries out treatment prescribed by Zoo’s Veterinarian and General Curator.
Recommends improvements in animal care procedures and schedules, exhibit maintenance, and safety.
Utilizes proper restraint techniques with animal and human safety always in mind: this includes the agility to safely net and maneuver with injured, aggressive or handling neonate animals.
Successfully secure animals, their enclosures, and other associated structures.
Must be familiar with the AZA (American Zoo and Aquarium Association) code of Professional Ethics, Species Survival Plans, husbandry guidelines, and USDA standards.
Zookeepers must stay current with animal training techniques and enrichment standards.
Must interact with public in formal and informal encounters. Always remaining courteous while answering questions, enforcing rules, and educating.
Performs maintenance work on exhibits facilities, grounds, and landscape, including minor repairs.
Required to operate power tools, lawn care equipment, vehicles, traverse ladders and other equipment to repair and maintain the facility.
Train, direct, and monitor Zoo interns or others as assigned.
Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director and General Curator, or designee.
Must be able to safely work in all weather conditions; including snow and humid conditions typical of central Illinois.
Ability to work weekend, holidays, after hour events, and some travel for animal shipments or continuing education is required.
The schedule is flexible and days off are subject to change based on institution needs.
Seasonal Zookeepers will function as relief keepers covering areas.
Seasonal Zookeepers are typically laid off for 3 months.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Associates degree in zoology, biology, or one year experience in the care of animals in a zoological institution or a suitable combination
Most be able to work with a wide range of taxa including reptiles, raptors, primates, domestic barnyard animals, and large carnivores.
Basic computer knowledge.
Must be able to multi-task and adjust to changing schedules and time constraints.
Ability to use a two-way radio
Physical Demands: Based on an 8 hour workday
Never= 0 hrs Rarely 0-2 hrs Occasionally 2-4 hrs Frequently= 4-6 hours Continuously= 6-8 hours
Sit: Rarely
Stand: Frequently
Walk: Frequently
Bend: Frequently
Squat: Occasionally
Kneel: Frequently
Crawl: Rarely
Climb: Rarely
Reach: Frequently
Overhead reaching: Occasionally
Grasp: Frequently
Push/Pull: Occasionally
Twist/Turn: Frequently
Lift: 11-60 lbs occasionally
Lift : 1-10 lbs frequently
Stairs: Occasionally
Ladders: Rarely
Other:
Ability to lift heavy objects (60 lbs) from ground level, move approximately 10 feet and perform this at least 5 times in succession without danger of injury
Ability to withstand heavy outdoor labor in extreme weather conditions.
Corrected Vision must include:
Seeing 20/20
Normal Depth Perception
Corrected Hearing must include:
Normal frequency sensitivity
Speaking skills must include being understandable when speaking:
In person
On the telephone or radio
General Requirements:
Must be able to read and write and have good command of the English language.
Good oral and written communication.
Physical capabilities – lifts 60 pounds, squat, bend and move as necessary for the job.
Must be able to perform basic mathematics.
Must have basic proficiency of Microsoft Excel and Word.
Must possess valid Illinois Driver’s License.
Must possess professional phone skills and work well with the public.
Must present a neat and professional appearance.
Responsible to follow policies and procedures outlined in Springfield Park District employee manual.
Must live in Sangamon County, in the State of Illinois or must be willing to move to Sangamon County in the State of Illinois within the first 6 months of acceptance of a position with the Springfield Park District.
