Working Title: Zoo Keeper - Animal Care Technician 3

　　Job Class: Zoo Keeper

　　Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

　　Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

　　Date Posted : 01/18/2024

　　Closing Date : 02/08/2024

　　Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Zoological Garden

　　Division/Unit : Biological Programs / Ambassador Animals

　　Work Shift/Work Hours : Varies

　　Days of Work : Varies

　　Travel Required : No

　　Salary Range: $22.26 - $31.38 / hourly; $46,478 - $65,521 / annually

　　Classified Status : Classified

　　Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME

　　Work Area : Ambassador Animals

　　FLSA Status : Nonexempt

　　Telework Eligible : No

　　Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

　　THIS POSTING WILL BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS

　　Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

　　The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged, and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

　　This position provides animal and habitat care and maintenance so that healthy, well-adjusted animals, and attractive, instructive exhibits are presented to guests of the Minnesota Zoo in a manner that supports the Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The incumbent ensures appropriate welfare of the animals. The incumbent operates fleet vehicles to move around the Zoo campus.

　　Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

　　Perform animal husbandry procedures as established so that the highest level of animal health and exhibition are maintained.

　　Perform maintenance and general cleaning of habitats and work areas as assigned so that a neat and clean appearance and pleasant and safe experience are provided for all guests.

　　Prepare, present, and participate in interpretive programs for Zoo guests, staff, and/or volunteers so that staff and guests receive accurate information on the biology, natural history, and conservation of the species in an educational and entertaining manner.

　　Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

　　Minimum Qualifications

　　One (1) year of experience as a full-time Zookeeper at a zoo or aquarium

　　OR

　　Three (3) years full-time experience in an established laboratory or field research program involving vertebrate animals and data collection that includes work experience in a laboratory animal colony or veterinary hospital involving direct animal care and maintenance.

　　Experience must be within the last ten (10) years and include all of the following:

　　Working with animals in an ambassador setting, including handling and presenting in a show setting,

　　Observation of animal behaviors,

　　Preparation and feeding of animal diets,

　　Preparation and maintenance of detailed animal records, and

　　Maintenance of sanitary animal living conditions.

　　Training animals using operant conditioning with positive reinforcement.

　　Creating goal-based enrichment items.

　　Customer service skills sufficient to work with co-workers and guests courteously and respectfully.

　　Ability to interpret technical literature that relates to the health and management of animals.

　　Demonstrated ability to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity

　　Unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record

　　Preferred Qualifications

　　College degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education, Ecology or closely related field.

　　Experience working with and caring for animals at an AZA accredited Zoo or aquarium including preparing diets, feeding animals, maintaining sanitary animal living conditions, observing animal behavior, and maintaining animal records.

　　Experience interpreting animal behavior and providing species specific information to guests

　　Open water SCUBA certification or equivalent

　　Current CPR and 1st AID certification

　　Ability to work as a firearms team member

　　Physical Requirements

　　Current Rabies vaccination and negative TB or ability to become Rabies vaccinated and complete a negative TB test within the probationary period and complete ongoing Rabies titer testing

　　Exposure to some zoonotic diseases and potent immobilization agents/drugs for treatment of animals

　　Exposure to a wide variety of pesticides and potentially dangerous equipment and machinery on a regular basis

　　Ability to differentiate colors

　　Ability to routinely work with potentially dangerous domestic animals

　　Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year round

　　Ability to negotiate all types of terrain

　　Ability to use hand/finger coordination to manipulate items and operate hand and/or power tools

　　Ability to lift, carry and/or move up to 50 pounds

　　Ability to lift and move large objects as a team over uneven terrain

　　Ability to push/pull up to 90 pounds

　　Ability to shovel to clean animal areas and work areas

　　Ability to bend and crouch occasionally throughout the day

　　Ability to climb stairs and ladders occasionally throughout the day

　　Ability to tolerate loud noises regularly throughout the day

　　Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time throughout the day

　　Ability to wear N95 face masks/respirators

　　Ability to grip 34 pounds to operate power washer intermittently for up to 60 minutes

　　Additional Requirements

　　This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.

　　Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

　　In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

　　It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

　　Conflict of Interest Review

　　Criminal History Check including fingerprinting

　　Education Verification

　　Employment Reference / Records Check

　　License / Certification Verification

　　AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

　　Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

　　Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.