Job Details

Zookeeper Assistant

Under the close supervision of the Zoo Curator and higher level Zookeepers, this entry-level PART TIME position performs semi-skilled labor in the routine daily care of assigned animals, exhibits and grounds; develops on-the-job knowledge of assigned animals; and assists with the supervision of volunteers and interns.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Maintains daily care of an assigned area of the animal collection including exhibit cleaning, diet preparation and behavioral enrichment, feeding, administering medications, assisting with veterinary care, exhibit maintenance and pool cleaning.
• Under direction, observes general animal health and behavior on a daily basis and reports any abnormal situations to the Zoo Curator.
• Prepares and follows prescribed diets and feeding procedures and advises Zoo Curator as to the food stuff needs within an assigned section.
• Participates in enrichment programs, as assigned.
• Participates in capturing, restraining and moving animals, as trained and directed, using nets, catch poles and other capture equipment.
• Maintains animal exhibits including, but not limited to shoveling substrate, raking, mowing, planting and trimming vegetation, watering, as needed.
• Operates a variety of small tools and equipment to aid in maintaining exhibits and grounds including gators, push mowers, weedeaters and powerwasher.
• Under direct supervision, assists with concrete work, fabrication work, painting, carpentry and other construction job tasks, on occasion.
• Identifies minor or routine maintenance problems and corrects them as assigned, or reports other maintenance to the Zoo Curator and writes discrepancies as necessary.
• Performs routine snow and ice removal during winter months.
• Interacts positively with the public, providing information about the zoo and its animals; assists with educational tours and presentations on and off zoo grounds as assigned.
• Assists with activities and presentations during special events.
• Assists in assigning appropriate tasks and supervising volunteers and interns.
• Writes and submits accurate daily reports and maintains animal care records.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Requires a High School Diploma or its equivalent. Some college in the biological sciences or similar and six months of experience working with animals preferred. Valid Texas Driver's License required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• General knowledge of animal biology and behavior.
• Under direction, the ability to exercise sound judgement to evaluate animal health, diet, behavior and any emergency situations that arise.
• Ability to drive gators, golf carts, pick-up trucks and vans; ability to operate trailers and larger trucks up to one ton desirable.
• Skill in operating all types of equipment used in grounds maintenance, animal capture and restraint.
• Ability to use basic hand tools for equipment and facility care.
• Ability to operate a variety of equipment including a two-way radio, computer, telephone, and the like.
• Ability to work on a team and with volunteers.
• Skill in performing grounds and construction related work is desirable.
• Ability to read and write.
• Ability to keep accurate records.

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-###-####.