Zoo Keeper-Animal Care Technician 3 (ACT3) Farm - State of Minnesota : Job Details

Working Title: Zoo Keeper-Animal Care Technician 3 (ACT3) Farm

Job Class: Zoo Keeper

Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID : 81890

• Location : Apple Valley

• Telework Eligible : No

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 11/19/2024

• Closing Date : 12/02/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME

• Division/Unit : Biological Programs / Farm

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Four (4) ten hour days will include 1 or 2 weekend days

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $23.26 - $32.79 / hourly; $48,566 - $68,465 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME

• Work Area : Operations: Farm/Northern Trail

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ( : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

This position will work at the Wells Fargo Family Farm at the Minnesota Zoo.

This position provides animal and habitat care and maintenance so that healthy, well-adjusted animals, and attractive, instructive exhibits are presented to guests of the Minnesota Zoo in a manner that supports the Zoo's mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The incumbent ensures appropriate welfare of the animals. The incumbent operates fleet vehicles to move around the Zoo campus.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Perform animal husbandry procedures as established so that the highest level of animal health and exhibition are maintained.

• Prepare, present, and participate in interpretive programs for Zoo guests, staff, and/or volunteers so that staff and guests receive accurate information on the biology, natural history, and conservation of the species in an educational and entertaining manner.

• Perform plant and horticulture procedures as established so that the highest level of plant health and exhibition are maintained in all vegetable and flower gardens, orchards, and other planted areas.

• Perform maintenance and general cleaning of habitats and work areas as assigned so that a neat and clean appearance and pleasant and safe experience are provided for all guests.

• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• Two (2) years of experience in a commercial livestock operation involving responsibility for maintaining production and growth efficiency records and aiding tin the implementation of selective breeding programs, diet formulation, and feeding and sanitation practices;

OR

• One (1) year of experience as a full-time Zookeeper at a zoo or aquarium; OR Three (3) years full-time experience in an established laboratory or field research program involving vertebrate animals and data collection that includes work experience in a laboratory animal colony or veterinary hospital involving direct animal care and maintenance. Experience must be within the last ten (10) years and include all of the following:

• Working with animals, including handling and presenting in a show setting,

• Observation of animal behaviors,

• Preparation and feeding of animal diets,

• Preparation and maintenance of detailed animal records, and

• Maintenance of sanitary animal living conditions.

• Training animals using operant conditioning with positive reinforcement.

• Creating goal-based enrichment items.

• Customer service skills sufficient to work with co-workers and guests courteously and respectfully.

• Ability to interpret technical literature that relates to the health and management of animals.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity

• Unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education, Ecology or closely related field.

• Experience caring for domestic animals in a farm or related facility.

• Experience working with dairy cows.

• Experience working with draft horses.

• Experience working with and caring for animals at an AZA accredited Zoo or aquarium including preparing diets, feeding animals, maintaining sanitary animal living conditions, observing animal behavior, and maintaining animal records.

• Experience interpreting animal behavior and providing species specific information to guests

• Current CPR and 1st AID certification

• Ability to work as a firearms team member

Physical Requirements

• Current Rabies vaccination and negative TB or ability to become Rabies vaccinated and complete a negative TB test within the probationary period and complete ongoing Rabies titer testing

• Exposure to some zoonotic diseases and potent immobilization agents/drugs for treatment of animals

• Exposure to a wide variety of pesticides and potentially dangerous equipment and machinery on a regular basis

• Ability to differentiate colors

• Ability to routinely work with potentially dangerous domestic animals

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year round

• Ability to negotiate all types of terrain

• Ability to use hand/finger coordination to manipulate items and operate hand and/or power tools

• Ability to lift, carry and/or move up to 50 pounds

• Ability to lift and move large objects as a team over uneven terrain

• Ability to push/pull up to 90 pounds

• Ability to shovel to clean animal areas and work areas

• Ability to bend and crouch occasionally throughout the day

• Ability to climb stairs and ladders occasionally throughout the day

• Ability to tolerate loud noises regularly throughout the day

• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time throughout the day

• Ability to wear N95 face masks/respirators

• Ability to grip 34 pounds to operate power washer intermittently for up to 60 minutes

Additional Requirements

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Criminal History Check including fingerprinting

• Education Verification

• Employment Reference / Records Check

• License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-###-#### or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.