Seasonal Animal Keeper - NW Trek Wildlife Park

NORTHWEST TREK WILDLIFE PARK
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a facility of Metro Parks Tacoma, an independent government agency creating healthy opportunities to play, learn and grow since 1907. A five-member Board of Park Commissioners governs Metro Parks Tacoma and is the policy determining body for the park district.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is dedicated to conservation, education and recreation by displaying, interpreting and researching native Northwest wildlife and natural habitats. We are nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more.
 
Position Information
Under the direction of the Curator or Animal Keeper, this position is responsible for performing specialized work in the care, observation and maintenance of an assigned area at Northwest Trek.

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.

• Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, general upkeep of support facilities.

• Maintains clean and organized enclosures, holding areas, service areas and equipment.

• Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding practices and diet sheets.

• Understands and applies a practical understanding of operant conditioning and animal handling for the purposes of public live animal programs on site.

• Understands and applies interpretive skills in delivering unscripted public live animal programs on site.

• Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.

• Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the primary animal keeper of the area or Head Keeper.

• Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with ZIMS and Microsoft Office software applications.

• Understands and applies the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under his/her care.

• Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.

• As appropriate, maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi-aquatic animal species.

• Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the Head Keeper.

• May oversee work activities and/or provide training for interns or volunteers.

• Possess good teamwork and communication skills

• May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Two-year or four-year degree in one of the natural sciences or a closely related discipline or a certificate of completion from an acceptable exotic animal care program of not less than 30 semester hours is preferred.

• One year of experience in animal care, animal training and handling, and public interpretation at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment, internships, or volunteer experience.

• Specific training and work experience in other settings, such as wildlife rehabilitation centers, nature centers, or conservation centers may be considered on a case-by-case basis as fulfillment for the experience requirements.

• Strong interpersonal, team-building, and communication skills.

• Valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a Washington State driver's license.

• Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule to include evenings, holidays and/or weekends as needed.

HOURS:  Up to 29 hours per week. Hours and days per week may vary.

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 material.
Chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise.
Contact with irate visitors.

ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor and outdoor environment.
Adverse weather conditions.