Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
Chehaw Park & Zoo is looking for a motivated professional to join our animal husbandry team. We are committed to ensuring high standards of animal care and positive guest experience. The ideal candidate will have a solid working knowledge of zoo and aquarium safety and animal husbandry best practices. This role requires a dedicated person who can maintain aesthetically pleasing terrestrial habitats that promote positive animal welfare for a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Team work will be essential to complete large projects and effectively care for the collection as a whole.
BASIC JOB DUTIES
Attend to assigned animals; prepare diets, feed, and provide water; sanitize enclosure furniture/floors and food/water dishes as scheduled or necessary; perform approved enrichment and training activities; assist in the capture and restraint of animals Inspect animals for health problems; collect fecal samples for testing; condition/train animals for veterinary procedures; assist veterinarians with medical exams and procedures, including surgery and necropsy; administer medications to animals Record relevant information in facility's recordkeeping database, including animal observations, health concerns and treatments, acquisitions/births, dispositions/deaths, etc.; objectively complete animal welfare assessments, as assigned Perform routine repairs and maintenance on exhibits/enclosures as needed; construct improvements, furnishings, and decorations for exhibits; may replace substrate, control weeds, and collect browse Assist in planning and conducting educational and interactive guest programs; engage the public to encourage curiosity and facilitate a positive experience Support institution's Vision, Mission, and Value statements; maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of fellow staff, volunteers, and guests
EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES
Maintain possession of a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation to/from work Associate degree or equivalent experience required 2+ years of previous experience and/or training involving animal care, wildlife biology, or related field Significant knowledge about exotic animal husbandry and captive management; ability to build upon this knowledge and to adapt as necessary to animal collection changes Proficiency in basic computer applications Must be able to lift 60 pounds and work outdoors in all weather conditions on a daily basis; must be able to tolerate strong odors, dust, hay, dander, and dampness; may be required to stand or sit for extended periods of time and/or to twist, bend, crouch, squat, climb, crawl, kneel, jump, swim, or carry objects for short distances; may be exposed to chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts, vehicles, and potentially dangerous animals Willingness to participate in staff vaccination program to prevent zoonotic disease transfer, scheduled as recommended by CDC; may include tetanus, TB skin test, rabies, Hepatitis A & B, Influenza, or other as recommended by CDC and/or professional standards Maintain ability to pass drug and alcohol tests with acceptable results • All job offers are contingent upon acceptable background investigation and drug test results
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Full-time (40-hours per week), hourly Benefits include paid-time-off; sick time; vision, dental, and health insurance; retirement plan Participation in staff vaccination program Relocation package available to eligible new hires We are committed to providing all staff with opportunities for development and advancement, both within and outside our facilities. The Albany Metropolitan area includes welcoming cities such as Leesburg, Putney, Sylvester, and Sasser. These cities boast cost-of-living numbers much lower than the national average and are all within easy commute of Chehaw Park & Zoo.
Leesburg:
13% lower COL, 18 minute commute
Putney:
28% lower COL, 15 minute commute
Sylvester:
26% lower COL, 28 minute commute
Sasser:
24% lower COL, 22 minute commute
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$15.75 - $17.25 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance
