Zoological Aide – Asian Forest Sanctuary

POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. The 29-acre zoological park was established in 1905, and attracts over 800,000 visitors a year. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more. The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Point Defiance Zoo is operated by Metro Parks Tacoma.
 
POSITION INFORMATION
Under the direction of the Assistant Curator, this position is responsible for performing specialized work in the care, observation and maintenance of an assigned zoological area at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
 

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

Under the direction of full-time Staff Biologists, this position's duties include, but are not limited to: assisting with daily maintenance and husbandry of the species in the Asian Forest Sanctuary; animal diets/food preparation and feeding; exhibit cleaning and general maintenance; animal health observations; record keeping; informal public demonstrations and education interpretation; and other duties as assigned. 

• Must be a high school graduate
• College degree in biological sciences desirable
• Previous exotic bird or animal husbandry experience preferred
• Must have excellent customer service and observational skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively and follow written & oral instructions
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays

 
HOURS:

• Part-time position, up to 29 hours per week.

• Must be available at least 4-5 days per week, including weekends and holidays.  

ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor and outdoor environment.
Adverse weather conditions.
Cold water while interacting with mammals.
 
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Lifting and carrying heavy objects or animals weighing up to 50 pounds; pushing; climbing; walking; kneeling and crouching to work with and feed animals; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools.
 
 HAZARDS:
 Exposure to potentially dangerous and sick animals.
 Exposure to animal fecal.
 Chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise.
 Contact with irate visitors.