Zoological Care Specialist - Twiga

Fresno Chaffee Zoo Zoological Care Specialist - Full Time Twiga

GENERAL PURPOSE

ZCS
-Twiga

This position will primarily be assigned to our Africa Twiga team which includes white rhino, giraffe, greater kudu, common eland, impala, cheetah, addax, slender horned gazelle and ostrich.

Under the supervision of the Zoological Animal Manager, this position is responsible for the daily well-being of animals in the assigned animal section. The Zoological Care Specialist is responsible for maintaining high standards of animal care while working in a team-oriented environment where collaboration and problem-solving are required to achieve Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo Corporation’s (FCZC) strategic goals, while providing excellent guest experience.

This position will primarily be assigned to a specific animal team but may be reassigned or requested to work in other sections as needed at the discretion of the Animal Management team.

Full-Time employees receive our comprehensive compensation package which includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is $17.78 - $26.92 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate’s experience.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

ZCS:

• Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets at designated times; sees that animals have sufficient water that is refreshed regularly throughout each day.
• Implements effective behavioral enrichment for selected animals.
• Observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder, reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor.
• Maintains accurate feeding, health, and welfare records of assigned animals using Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, Teams), Species 360 (ZIMS), and TRACKS information systems.
• Thoroughly cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures and ensures cleanliness throughout the day. Maintains a neat, organized, and efficient working area to support productivity.
• Observes and assists Zoological Care Specialists with training animals in designated section.
• Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section, including medication preparation and administration.
• Assists the Emergency Response team in animal events.
• Watches for and immediately reports any vandalism, unsafe work conditions, or animal welfare concerns.
• Assists with the crating and moving of animals under the guidance of qualified Zoological Care Specialist 1, 2, or 3, unless approved by a manager, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.
• Completes daily tasks, projects, and goals within an assigned time frame while maintaining satisfactory standards.
• Adheres to organizational protocols, procedures, and policies.
• Utilizes computer, telephone, and radio systems to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.

ZCS I:

• Observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address observed behaviors.
• Effectively trains animals within the animal care section on established behaviors only according to zoo policies and procedures. Training or reshaping behaviors done under direct guidance of Zoological Care Specialist 2 or 3.
• Participates in guest presentations in the form of animal chats or assisting with animal training demonstrations.
• Completes animal welfare assessments under direct guidance of Zoological Care Specialist 2 or 3 as assigned by manager in the allotted time frame and works with team to solve welfare concerns.
• Crates and moves animals as directed, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.
• Provides training and guidance under manager supervision to lower-tiered Zoological Care Specialists and volunteers assigned in the section.
• Adheres to organizational protocols, procedures, and policies while maintaining an open mind for continuous improvement to guidelines.

ZCS II:

• Observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address observed behaviors.
• Exe…