Section Keeper - Hoof Run

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The Pueblo Zoo is a vibrant, collaborative, and flexible workplace. The Pueblo Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is home to nearly 250 animals representing more than 125 species. Driven by our mission to empower people to engage in conservation of animals and their natural habitat, we serve 100,000 annual visitors, provide educational outreach to tens of thousands of students, and directly support global species conservation.

At its core, Pueblo Zoo values animal we

Performs basic animal husbandry for animals in BLUE section to include hoof stock, farm, and prairie animals. Reports to Blue Area Supervisor. Subject to 24-hour on call availability for emergencies. This position may rotate throughout the zoo as a Relief Keeper as needed due to training and scheduling.

Duties & responsibilities:

• Provide overall daily care of animals and exhibits to ensure animal health, safety, and welfare, staff and public safety as set forth by AZA, USDA, and PZ to include:
  • Observe and monitor animals’ general health and behavior, reporting any abnormal behavior to supervisor and/or veterinary staff.
  • Prepare and provide food for assigned animals, following written instructions, provide water and administer medication as instructed to ensure proper nutrition and health.
  • Clean animal exhibits, holding pens, food prep areas, and equipment, maintain a high level of sanitation, conduct pest control activities and report any mechanical defects that would endanger the animal, zoo staff, and/or guests.
  • Achieve the highest standards of animal welfare and wellness by providing environmental enrichment and training sessions, using operant conditioning as applicable.
  • Participate in or assist with the capture and restraint of a variety of taxa including dangerous species.

Safety

• Provide assistance with animal transfers and/or procedures as directed.
• Follow all safety protocols and understand the animal keeper’s role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required.

Communication

• Update animal records and reports to ensure thorough documentation and enhanced knowledge of animal biology.
• Interact positively and professionally with animal care and veterinary staff and volunteers.
• Utilize the enrichment item/device proposal form to create new enrichment ideas and items to be added to taxa repertoires and properly record the results of enrichment items after use.
• Collaborate with other zoo personnel as needed to meet the zoo’s mission. This can include, but is not limited to assisting and participating in media events, special tours, and public relations projects.
• Participate in and support zoo-wide initiatives, committees, and work groups.
• Be able to supervise and train volunteers and interns within the department as needed.

Habitat/Building Maintenance

• Perform general maintenance and repair of exhibits: painting, repairing fences and shelters, abating erosion, planting ground cover and removing weeds.
• Assisting with the beautification of the zoo by removing trash/debris whenever necessary
• Other duties as assigned

Guest Relations

• Actively encourage interest in wildlife through positive interactions with zoo guests via Keeper Talks focused on animals, biology, conservation, and environmental issues.

The Pueblo Zoo is a vibrant, collaborative, and flexible workplace. The Pueblo Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is home to nearly 250 animals representing more than 125 species. Driven by our mission to empower people to engage in conservation of animals and their natural habitat, we serve 100,000 annual visitors, provide educational outreach to tens of thousands of students, and directly support global species conservation.

At its core, Pueblo Zoo valuesanimal welfare, teamwork, education, collaboration and community. The Zoo is located in Southern Colorado and provides agreat living experience in a big, small town that offers endless outdoor and cultural opportunities without the hassle of congested big city problems.

Minimum qualifications:

High school diploma (or equivalent) and 1 year zoo work experience, or 2-year college degree and 2 internship at an AZA facility (preferred), or a 4-year college degree and 1 internship at an AZA facility. Candidates currently enrolled in a related educational program will be considered.

Knowledge, skills, & abilities:

Must possess a working knowledge of similar or related work, including assistance with veterinary procedures, ability to follow written and oral directions, ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating…