Animal Keeper III

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Under supervision, this position will provide the daily care and maintenance of the living zoological collection at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park ensuring Department, Division and Park goals and objectives as well as Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements and objectives are met. This includes educating Park visitors and interpretation of wildlife and wildlife issues.

This position will make daily decisions to best ensure the health, welfare and physical and psychological well-being of the living zoological collection at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park. Self-directed to the extent that the employee has the authority to make daily decisions based on the immediate needs of the animals under their care. This includes coordinating with the veterinarian.

Safety to staff is a priority. These judgments and decisions affect work performance and have a direct major impact on the Park's operations. AZA and USDA goals and requirements must be met as well as OSHA, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and New Mexico Game and Fish (NMGF) requirements. The animals in the collection must be fed, watered, observed and the exhibit and holding areas cleaned on a daily basis.

Environmental enrichment is given to the animal collection to promote physical and psychological well-being.

Associate’s degree in biology, fisheries science/management, wildlife science/management, animal science, forestry, ecology or similar related natural resource degree and two (2) years directly related experience.

Any combination of education from an accredited college or university and related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Working Conditions

Willingness and ability to work outdoors the majority of the work day. Physical requirements include standing, walking, running, climbing, bending, raking, hosing, and lifting loads of 50 pounds or more. Work must be accomplished without regards to inclement weather extremes to heat, cold, wet, dry, wind, etc. Working with wildlife presents exposure to physical injuries and biological hazards. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases.

Risk of being bitten by animals or insects. Daily exposure/contact with wildlife, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and other health hazards. Exposure to environmental allergens, fumes, dusts, odors, and gases. Must be able to respond to immediate issues at the Zoo, whether on days off or not. Weekend/holiday work required.