Job Description
Job Summary
The Commissary/ Quarantine Keeper will prepare diets for zoo animals, organize and clean kitchens, inventory and stock food prep areas, organize and clean grain and feed rooms, as well as have the same responsibilities as other fulltime zookeepers in regards to the care and husbandry of quarantined animals. In this capacity, the quarantine keeper will work with a variety of species across all taxonomic classes on a regular basis. Zookeepers are responsible for the spe.cialized work involving all aspects of general care and husbandry of zoo animals including maintaining/cleaning adjacent areas.
Reports To
Area Supervisor
Commissary Essential Functions:
• Prepare diets daily for Zoo's animal collection (follow written and oral instructions concerning type and quantity of foods to be prepared and size of portions; obtaining necessary ingredients from the storage areas/coolers/freezers, and washing, cleaning, peeling, cutting, chopping, grinding, dicing and/or slicing foods as required; accurately measure and weigh portions and package foods in accordance with instructions.)
• Prepare food enrichment (e.g., frozen icicles) as scheduled and instructed. Work with keepers on preparing
• other kinds of enrichment as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and sanitation of dishes, work areas, all surfaces and equipment.
• Organize and inventory grain and feed rooms, hay storage areas, coolers, and freezers.
• Pack and deliver diets and supplies (e.g., hay and grain) throughout Zoo as per instructions.
• Will assist in receiving deliveries (e.g., meat, fish, grain, hay, wood shavings, and other supplies) and checking against packing slips.
• Inventory and assist in ordering commissary supplies.
• Interact with and educate the public, VIPs, and/or media about animal nutrition and department animals/operations through tours, keeper chats and other special events as assigned. Considerable interpersonal skills will be required and a high degree of appreciation of guest service is necessary.
Quarantine Zookeeper Essential Functions:
• Provide all aspects of daily care for the animals in assigned exhibits and holding areas. Including but not limited to:
o Innovative animal husbandry that is in compliance with AZA and USDA standards.
o Preparation and feeding of approved diets.
o Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
o Implementation of the behavioral program of the animals under assigned care which include the animal training (operant conditioning) and enrichment programs.
o Designing and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits.
o Utilizing preventative husbandry techniques and providing proactive health care as required.
o Provide proper care for neonates and young (may require care outside of normal working hours).
o Work with the veterinary and animal care teams to provide specialized care to hospitalized or quarantined animals as needed.
• Maintain animal exhibits and holding areas as well as behind the scenes keeper areas in a clean and presentable condition at all times.
• Observe the animal collection for any signs of illness, lethargy, injury, or dietary problems and report any problems to the Area Supervisor or Director of Animal Care.
• Assist the Director of Animal Care, Area Supervisor and/or Veterinarian in routine animal examinations and medicate animals with any prescribed treatments.
• Must be able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, and
zoo guests.
• Must be flexible, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and a team player.
• Maintain daily reports, medical records, enrichment logs, and other records as needed in the assigned area.
• Participate in the animal behavior management program (animal operant conditioning training and enrichment program) as directed.
• Perform basic restraint, crating/uncrating and transport of animals as required and must have the ability to operate various sizes of animal squeeze cages for medical purposes.
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
• Other duties as assigned by the Area Supervisor or the Director of Animal Care.
Competency
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Must be flexible, self-motivated, enthusiastic and a team player.
• Must demonstrate punctual attendance, reliability and good time management skills.
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Must be able to shoot rifles, shotguns and capture dart guns as required and/or directed to assist in the animal escape and recovery plan.
• Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint).
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position may help to oversee and train Junior Zookeepers, interns, volunteers and seasonal employees; however, this position does not have any direct reports.
Work Environment
Must be able to tolerate and be exposed to strong odors, toxic or caustic chemicals, dust, hay, animal fur/hair/dander, and wet or humid conditions (non-weather) and all variable outdoor weather conditions.
Physical Demands
• Ability to ascend and descend ladders and stairs as needed
• Capability to lift and move crates, animals, or equipment weighing up to 70 lbs.
• Proficiency in operating various equipment such as mowers, weed eaters, hay elevators, and motorized carts
• Skilled in handling fire hoses effectively
• Competence in operating vehicles including tractors, dump trucks, and pickup trucks
• Capacity to load and maneuver wheelbarrows with loads of up to 150 lbs.
• Agility and flexibility to navigate around animals in exhibits, corrals, and holding areas
• Demonstrated hand and finger dexterity for tasks such as handling small equipment and operating controls
• Strong visual acuity to accurately assess and respond to situations involving animals, equipment, and work environments
Travel
No travel necessary.
Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree; or an equivalent level of work experience and education as determined by the hiring authority.
Preferred Education and Experience
• Previous animal training and/or Zookeeper experience.
• Experience in an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
• Previous Commissary Experience Preferred
Additional Qualifications
• Maintain a current tetanus vaccination (5 years) and be willing to be TB tested annually.
• Must be certified or able to become certified in CPR/AED within 1 year of employment.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays and evenings as required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to pass a pre-employment background check.
• Covid-19 and Flu Vaccines encouraged; must following masking protocols as determined by organization.
Other Duties
This job description is not designed nor should it be interpreted to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all qualifications, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Qualifications, duties and/or responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.