The Seasonal Keeper in the Conservation & Research Department assists the Research Husbandry Technician in all aspects of husbandry of the Memphis Zoo’s colonies of endangered dusky gopher frogs and Louisiana pine snakes, as well as general maintenance of enclosures and habitats.
Opening is available beginning April 1 and must be filled by May 15, and ends on Aug 31.
Essential Job Functions:
– Actively observes animals behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address observed behaviors.
– Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets at designated times throughout each day.
– Maintains accurate feeding, health, and welfare records of assigned animals.
– Thoroughly cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures/habitats /aquatic systems, and ensures cleanliness throughout the day.
– Maintains adequate stock of all section supplies, and reports low inventory levels to manager in a timely manner.
– Exercise good judgement when making decisions that affect our collection.
– Assists science team with all aspects of conservation & research.
– Assists the Emergency Response team in animal events.
– Crates and moves animals as directed, ensuring the safety transport and well-being of the animals.
– Facilitates formal and informal public presentations to educate the public and provide positive guest experiences.
Minimum Requirements:
– High school Diploma or Equivalent.
– Experience in handling nonvenomous snakes, reptiles or amphibians.
Preferred Qualifications:
– Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, or a related field.
– Experience in husbandry of captive reptiles or amphibians
Competencies:
– Written and oral communication proficiency.
– Proficient in MS Office, current technology and applications for communication, research and record keeping.
– Records and reports creation and management.
– Problem Solving/Analysis.
– Stress Management/Composure.
– Teamwork Orientation.
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Reporting Structure: Research Scientist
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a seasonal position that works up to 30 hrs per week and may require weekend work.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, chemicals and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud while on Zoo grounds.
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Application website: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.memphiszoo.org%2Fcareers&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C55827543791d4fa129f208d7abb6ddf4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637166674220741813&sdata=z%2FJt08KcTjuVmx%2BAWjg2FvV%2FH1f04qiueVUfmPg8%2F9s%3D&reserved=0
Application deadline: April 30, 2020 (applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis)
Questions should be directed to Dr. Steve Reichling, Director of Conservation and Research, Memphis Zoo (sreichling@memphiszoo.org)