Senior Zookeeper

Job Description:

Senior Zookeeper

Description

Summary

Minimum starting salary is $19.63 per hour depending on qualificationsThis position is on our Aquatics team

THE CITY OF WACO SEEKS:
An experienced animal care professional who is familiar with modern husbandry practices for fishes (teleosts, elasmobranchs) and aquatic invertebrates (corals, jellies, crustaceans, cephalopods, etc.), maintenance of life support systems, and team leadership. If you are looking to work with conservation programs and an expanding array of Texas native aquatic species, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! Your career can make a difference, believe it! Join us today!
Minimum Qualifications
Required:

• Associate's Degree in Zoology, Biological Sciences, or related field
• Three years of animal care work experience;
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License

Position Overview
Under basic supervision, serves as a lead keeper within the assigned area (Aquatics). This position will assist in overseeing the day-to-day operations and play a primary role in employee training and development. The Senior Zookeeper acts as a liaison between the team and leadership, helping to assure adherence to policies and procedures while developing supervisory skills.

Position Responsibilities

• Assists with the daily care, husbandry and nutrition of assigned animals; resolves problems within scope of authority; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Monitors and maintains Zoo exhibits, identifies animal care issues, prepares and distributes diets and supplements; monitors animal health issues, behavior and eating habits; maintains records; examines exhibit facilities and grounds to assure proper maintenance procedures are followed.
• Assist manager in training new employees assigned to the department.
• Assist veterinary staff in the treatment of collection animals and act as a liaison between vet staff and leadership and the zookeeper team.
• Provide guidance to fellow employees in safety practices and improved techniques and procedures for handling or restraining animals.
• Practice good judgment in decision-making as related to animal care, emergencies, and projects, particularly in the manager’s absence.
• Actively encourage interest in wildlife and promote the zoo’s mission through positive interaction with zoo guests via educational chats focused on animals, biology, conservation, and environmental issues
• Handle and display presentation animals for both onsite and offsite programs, providing public with educational information in a fun and professional manner.
• Daily behavioral observation and animal training. Utilize operant conditioning techniques to maintain current behaviors and build new repertoire in experienced and naïve animals.
• Follow all safety protocols and understand the senior zookeepers’ role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required.
• Make recommendations regarding diet changes, habitat design, husbandry and related matters and take steps to accomplish those goals.
• Continually observe and evaluate animal behavior and conditions for animals in the department and report any problems to the appropriate manager.
• Assists with public education, community outreach and safety and security programs.

The City of Waco offers a complete benefits package for eligible employees including; health, dental, vision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Accounts, life insurance, long term and short term disability, retirement, deferred compensation plans, holidays, vacation, sick leave, credit union and savings bonds.

To learn more about the benefits offered, visit our Benefits page.

Why Work For Waco:

• Meaningful and challenging work
• Make a difference and improve communities
• Competitive Salary and Benefits
  • Full Range of Benefits, including Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
  • Mandatory TMRS Retirement Plan with a 2:1 City Match
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance
  • Longevity Pay
  • And More!

Chance to do work you are passionate about Job Security Desire to give back

Salary:

See Position Description