The primary responsibilities of this position include the general care and maintenance for the zoo’s animal collection and support facilities. The position will work under the general supervision of the Assistant Parks Director and Zoo Specialist. Position provides good experience to individuals seeking a career in animal care and conservation. This position is located at the Menominee Park Zoo.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Performs routine husbandry of captive wild and domesticated animals, as developed through the Zoo Specialist care guidelines and training program. 35%
• Under general direction of the Zoo Specialists, cleans, disinfects, and maintains animal enclosures and exhibits. Controls animals within and between pens, enclosures, and cages. Inspects animal exhibits and facilities for unsafe conditions.

Observes and assesses animal behaviors and habits. Implements animal enrichment programs as developed by Zoo Specialists. 35%

• Works with non-display horticultural features, including flowering plants, shrubs, trees, and other landscaping. Performs general and preventative maintenance work on zoo grounds to include sidewalks, restrooms, and other public areas. This may include cleaning, snow removal, mowing, trimming, painting, and minor construction. 30%
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Individuals taking secondary education coursework in Captive Wildlife, Biology, Animal Behaviors, etc. with goals of gaining experience in the field are preferred.
• One (1) year of demonstrated experience in the care of mammals, birds, reptiles, or appropriate animal order found in zoos is desirable.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to take direction and train with professional staff to properly and safely perform animal care.
• Ability to work with delicate and occasionally dangerous animals.
• Ability and knowledge of routine building and grounds cleaning and maintenance methods, materials, and practices, especially as they relate to the maintenance and cleaning of zoo pens, cages, and enclosures.
• Ability to follow training, recognize applicable hazards and to follow appropriate safety precautions.
• Ability to interact and deal courteously and tactfully with zoo visitors.
• Possess good interpersonal and communication skills, be team oriented, and be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees.
• Possess knowledge in horticultural practices, including working with plants, shrubs, trees, and ground covers.
• Ability to perform troubleshooting functions related to zoo operations.

In evaluating candidates for this position, the City may consider a combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties of the position.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Utility carts, grounds maintenance equipment including mowers and weed whips, power and hand tools, phone, and mobile or portable radio.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee must frequently lift or move weights up to 50 pounds, including hay and other animal feeds for loading, unloading, storage and feeding, plus have the ability to engage in occasional strenuous exertion in restraining animals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee frequently works around dangerous animals in a variety of outdoor conditions typical of Wisconsin. The employee is exposed to wet, cold and/or hot and humid conditions.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview, background and reference checks, and job related tests work may be required.

The duties listed herein are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.