Zoo Keeper – Small Mammal Department

Nature of Work

Effective immediately a Zoo Keeper position is available in the Small Mammal Department (starting pay: $8.80/hr). Mammal Department Zoo Keepers perform a variety of tasks related to the handling and care of animals and their environments.  The work requires an amount of independent action with less immediate supervision given after experience is acquired

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and
  effective working relations with fellow employees.
• Constantly exhibit a customer service attitude, a
  smile, and an obvious interest in visitor comfort
  and service.
• Communicate with the public in a courteous and
  tactful manner and assist visitors with questions
  and directions to various areas of the Zoo. Address
  the visitor - do not wait to be asked.
• Remove trash and debris from public areas; i.e. pick
  up litter whenever you see it.
• Observe, evaluate, and report animal behavior and
  condition to a supervisor on a daily basis.
  
• Perform routine and special duties involved in the daily
  care and maintenance of animals in captivity.
• Exchange information with supervisory staff and
  coworkers on a regular basis.
• Clean and maintain animal enclosures, service areas,
  and holding facilities using rake shovel, wheelbarrows
  and other tools daily and as required.
• Assist in treating zoo animals in accordance with
  instructions of a supervisor or Zoo Veterinarian.
• Provide assistance in construction and maintenance
  of animal enclosures, facility renovation and/or animal
  transfer.
• Provide information and assistance to the public.
• Drive motor vehicles or operate mechanical equipment
  as required.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work safely around delicate, wild, and
  dangerous animals.
• Ability to withstand heavy outdoor labor in extreme temperatures typical of South Texas.
• Sufficient delicacy to handle, examine, and move
  without harming sick, injured, or struggling small
  (often neonatal) animals.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and coordination to net,
  capture, and/or restrain animals of extreme size,
  strength, and agility.
• Ability to lift heavy (60 lb.) objects from ground level,
  move approximately 10', and to perform this function
  at least five times in succession without danger of injury.
• Ability to safely maneuver a loaded wheelbarrow
  (100 lbs.) over uneven uphill terrain.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Able to communicate in English.
• Able to safely operate light motor vehicles.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work weekends, holidays and occasional after-hour assignments.
• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Associate degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology, or related field preferred.
• One-year zoo keeping experience.

Qualified candidates desiring consideration may submit an application or resume and cover letter to:

San Antonio Zoological Gardens & Aquarium
Attn: Human Resource Department
(Small Mammal Position Opening)
3903 N. St. Mary's Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 734-7291 Fax

 



Download the Zoo's Employment Application (PDF)

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