Job Information
State of Minnesota Zoo Keeper-Bird Keeper-Animal Care Technician 3 in Apple Valley, Minnesota
Working Title: Bird Keeper-Animal Care Technician 3
Job Class: Zoo Keeper
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden
Job ID : 77558
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 : 06/14/2024
Closing Date : 06/27/2024
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME
Division/Unit : Biological Programs
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Thursday - Monday; 6:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. or 6:45 A.M. - 3:15 P.M.
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $22.26 - $31.38 / hourly; $46,478 - $65,521 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME
Work Area : Tropics/MN Trail-Birds
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 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.
Perform animal husbandry procedures as established so that the highest level of animal health and exhibition are maintained.
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.
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 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.
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; responsible 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:
Observation of animal behaviors,
Preparation and feeding of animal diets,
Preparation and maintenance of detailed animal records, and
Maintenance of sanitary animal living conditions.
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
Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications
College degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education, Ecology or closely related field
Experience working with a diverse collection of birds on public habitat and in breeding arrangements in a breeding facility
Experience with the incubation and hand-rearing of altricials and precocials
Experience utilizing operant conditioning in a multi-species aviary setting
Open water SCUBA certification or equivalent
Current CPR and 1st AID certification
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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.