Keeper I ZU en Louisville Metro Government, KY

About the Department

Summary Objective
The purpose of this position is to provide night overwatch at the zoo and patrol zoo grounds; to provide care for zoo animals after hours and support animal care operations; to prepare, pack, and deliver zoo diets to primary animal care teams; to procure, organize, warehouse, pick, and deliver zoo diets and animal care supplies to primary animal care teams.
This class works under close to general supervision according to set procedures but determines how or when to complete tasks.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Patrols Zoo grounds overnight to ensure the security of the property, gates and buildings as assigned
• Reports abnormal overnight events to the supervisor
• Reports animal observations to the supervisor
• Shifts and accesses zoo animals from one animal holding area to another
• Provides food and water to animals when necessary
• Performs routine maintenance on zoo systems as assigned
• Operates kitchen equipment (chopper, grinder, mixer, scales, blenders, and related equipment)
• Procure, organize, warehouse, maintain and organize zoo diets and animal care supplies
• Delivers animal food, browse, and animal care supplies to animal exhibit areas operating motorized vehicle as necessary
• Identify, collect, package, and deliver browse to animal care areas
• Cleans and maintains food preparation areas
• Cares for small animals used in animal diets and performs euthanasia of feeder animals
• Prepares food for zoo animals following SOPs and diet instructions
• Picks up and disposes of animal manure, operating packer truck, loading onto truck from wheelbarrows and large waste cans.  Delivers manure to waste collection facility via packer truck.
• Learns to perform duties of zookeeping in animal areas and participates in  continual training  
• Performs related work

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• One (1) year of college with eight semester hours of Biology, Agriculture or Zoology or related classwork
• One (1) year of documented experience working directly with non-domesticated/exotic animals in an institutional setting (i.e., Zoo, Aquarium or Wildlife Park, or Veterinary Clinic)
• OR
• High school diploma or the equivalent
• Two (2) years of documented experience working directly with non-domesticated/exotic animals in an institutional setting (i.e., Zoo, Aquarium or Wildlife Park, or)

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Must participate in an employee preventive health care program
• Must participate in an operant conditioning program
• Must work a varied schedule
• Must participate in public education demonstrations and educational programs
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
• Meets regular and punctual attendance standards and any special needs of the position as determined by management, including mandatory overtime, and performing related work
• Lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Lifts and carries items weighing over 50 pounds in a team setting
• Sufficient mobility, vision and hearing are needed to ensure a safe work environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing, and raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• Works in the elements of the weather

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
  • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
  • Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
  • Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
  • Traffic; Moving machinery.
  • Electrical shock; Heights.
  • Radiation; Disease/pathogens.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.