Zoo Keeper III, Zoo Position Available In Rapides, Louisiana

Zoo Keeper III, Zoo
Job Details  This listing closes on 6/25/2025 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada). Employer City of Alexandria, LA Salary $38,987.83 – $46,772.39 Annually Location Alexandria, Louisiana Job Type Classified Division Public Works Department Zoo Opening Date 06/11/2025 Closing Date 6/25/2025 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada) FLSA Non-Exempt Description
Benefits

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Description The purpose of this classification is to supervise and provide guidance to staff to ensure high quality animal care and training, provide high quality husbandry care and nutrition to a variety of taxa, ensure safe habitats are well maintained, and assist and educate guests in scheduled programs and spontaneous interactions Examples of Duties Maintains the health and welfare of zoo animals: provides fresh food daily, preparing special diets for animal groups; provides sufficient water; assists in administering prescribed medications; inspects animals daily to ensure security and proper enclosure; provides animal enrichment; and remains alert to any illness, abnormal behavior, physical conditions, and aggressive or potentially dangerous tendencies and reports these to a supervisor. Trains staff in the principles of behavioral husbandry; trains, mentors, and oversees the work of interns, volunteers, and lower-level zookeepers. Provides information and assistance to the visiting public: answers questions about animals and exhibits; and assists in special events and educational programs, including set up and take down as well as supervision of participants.

Responds to emergency situations:

assists in the capture and restraint of wild animals, which may or may not be sedated; and acts as a first responder if the public or the animals are harmed. May serve on the firearm team to ensure the safety of the public in compliance with established protocol. Performs general cleaning and maintenance of animal exhibits: removes and disposes of unconsumed food, manure, refuse, etc.; sweeps, rakes, hoses, and disinfects exhibits; and cleans feed troughs, bowls, and containers. Trains and oversee zoo staff on emergency protocols, scheduling safety drills, and coordinating the Emergency Response Team. Ensures the site has emergency and protective equipment.

Maintains exhibit materials:

waters plants and flowers in and around exhibits; installs limbs and nesting or bedding materials; and cleans and maintains perches, nest boxes, props and decorative materials. Performs grounds keeping and general cleaning tasks: Mows grass, trims hedges, rakes leaves, sweeps sidewalks, picks up litter, tends flower beds; cleans restrooms and replenishes restroom supplies. Assists with the transport of animals. Communicates effectively written and orally with staff and the public. Follows AZA policy and procedures in addition to established protocols, procedures, and policies of the Alexandria Zoo. Handles, prepares, and/or maintains the appropriate paperwork necessary to the functions of this position: records and files keeper daily reports, animal medical records, animal enrichment records and animal feeding charts; and records time sheets and community service records. Typical Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in animal science, zoology, biology, or related field; Three years of progressively responsible paid experience working with an exotic diversified collection of animals; or any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. OR Associate’s degree in animal science, biology, zoology, or related life sciences with 5 years of paid, progressively responsible experience working with a diversified collection of animals. OR High school diploma/GED with 7 years of paid, progressively responsible experience working in an accredited institution with a diversified collection of animals. AZA experience preferred. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Will be required to obtain a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license at the time of appointment and maintain it throughout employment for this classification. The City of Alexandria is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, or disability. Employer
City of Alexandria, LA
Phone
318-449-5078
318-449-5030 http://www.cityofalexandriala.com
Address
625 Murray Street
P.O. Box 71
Alexandria, Louisiana, 71309