Zoo Keeper - Health Center/ Vet Tech

Reid Park Zoo

We are a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to create inspiring memories for all by connecting people and animals to ensure the protection of wild animals and wild places. We provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as we implement an exciting master plan that is investing over $60M in new exhibits and zoo improvements.

Overview: This Health Center Zoo Keeper position may oversee care of quarantine or hospitalized animals held in the Health Center. The Keeper will provide high quality care for the animals under the Veterinarian - enrichment and training may be part of the care depending on the animals' health status. Veterinary technician duties may include assisting with filling prescriptions, conducting inventories, cleaning the lab and hospital areas, preparing samples, shipping samples, helping with procedures and assisting hospital staff as needed, etc. Variable shift work is possible, especially when caring for critically ill or newborn animals. The Keeper will also assist on one or two strings in the zoo outside the Health Center several days a week. Animal care on these strings includes behavioral observations, positive reinforcement training, preparing and providing enrichment, cleaning, preparing diets, engaging with the well-being committee as well as the supervisory and vet team. This position must be responsible for daily record-keeping including daily reports, medication logs, welfare tracking, enrichment records, animal training records and area notes. Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for wild animals in captivity.

Reports To: Veterinarian

Responsibilities:

Animal Care

• Veterinary technician duties as assigned.

• Keeps medical records and prescriptions current.

• Order supplies and inventory management of pharmacy stock including regular expiration date evaluations.

• Provide patient care to quarantined and/or hospitalized animals.

• Manage and maintain hospital equipment including regulatory compliance with x-ray and lasers.

• Maintain the upkeep of the hospital facility.

• Prepare samples to be delivered to diagnostic labs.

• Maintain controlled drug inventory and logs compliant with DEA standards.

• Perform inhouse lab work to include proficiency in fecals, urinalysis, elephant CBC, etc.

• Daily cleaning associated with animal night house, habitat, visitor viewing area, and/or hospital areas.

• Variable shift work is possible but rare, based on the needs of the zoo..

• Husbandry and health care for the animals in the area (feeding, medicating, training, enriching and care specific to the species).

• Completes reports including but not limited to daily animal reports, enrichment logs, water quality logs, training logs, medication logs, animal incident reports, etc.

• Develops & implements enrichment activities for animals following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols.

• Trains animals utilizing positive reinforcement to aid in animal management & promote visitor education.

• Monitor animal welfare and report concerns to the supervisor.

• Follows all animal care protocols and policies.

• Assist in the training of new staff and mentoring volunteers and students.

• Completes all training as required. These may include but are not limited to job specific training, safety, zoonotic disease, blood borne pathogens, animal enrichment, animal training, conservation, active shooter, DEI, radio protocol, CPR/ First Aid and hand tool usage.

• If working with large and/ or dangerous animals, works in a protected, positive reinforcement management style.

• May help prepare animal nutrition and assist with other commissary responsibilities.

• Be able to perform those tasks that are essential to the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Please note that this document is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Communication

• Participates in formal presentations as requested by the supervisor

• Outstanding team communication both verbal and written needed; ability to ask clarifying questions necessary.

Health & Safety

• Assists in the capture and/or physical/ chemical restraint & transportation of animals.

• Participates in emergency drills. These may include but are not limited to dangerous animal escape, fire, medical or weather emergencies.

• Willing to maintain proficiency with darting equipment & firearms if you choose to try out for Safety Team and are subsequently selected. Willingness to serve on the Safety Team.

• Responds to animal emergencies following approved protocols.

• Stays current on required vaccinations.

Administrative Functions

Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies such as completing expense reports and purchasing or cash handling procedures.

• Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties.

• Complete all animal records in variety of software programs including Animal Care Software, ZIMS, etc

• Other Duties as Assigned

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Veterinary technician experience required.

• CVT degree preferred.

• Work experience within an AZA accredited facility preferred.

• Work as a veterinary technician with exotics or large animals preferred.

• COVID booster acquired after September 2022.

• Willing to undertake an annual TB skin test (AZA requirement).

• Valid driver license.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Regular physical attendance at work.

• Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

• Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for exotic & dangerous animals in a zoological institution.

• Demonstrated critical analysis, customer service, problem solving, conflict resolution, decision making, leadership, team building, time management, and motivational skills.

• Demonstrated ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate and resolve conflicts, maintain confidentiality and to respect and observe organizational protocol.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of RPZS and coworkers as well as diverse volunteers, guests, donors, community partners, vendors and others.

• Able to work a flexible work schedule and adjust as required. Weekend, special event and some holiday work are required.

Experience Required

Work experience within an AZA accredited facility preferred. Work as a veterinary technician with exotics or large animals preferred.

Perks

Free family membership, free disability and life insurance, fun staff social events.

Salary

$16.54 - $18.12 hourly

How to Apply

Please apply via our website: Employment | Reid Park Zoo

Reid Park Zoo

1030 S Randolph Way

Tucson, AZPhone: n/a

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