Animal Handler I

Niabi ZooAnimal Handler IBASIC FUNCTION:Under general supervision performs a variety of responsible manual and maintenance duties in the care and treatment of animals in the Forest Preserve District's Zoo. Incumbent feeds animals, assists in the provision of medical treatment of animals and performs general maintenance duties in the upkeep of animal enclosures and zoo grounds. The employee receives continuing or individual assignments from the Assistant Director/Curator, generally indicating work to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected, deadlines and priority of assignments.PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:* Feeds and waters animals at the zoo. Observes condition of animals and their environment. Handles and assists in the training of animals as required using care and safety.* Assists in the provision of medical treatment for animals.* Cleans, scrubs and disinfects animal enclosures, feeders, troughs and related equipment.* Performs general maintenance of zoo grounds.* Secures animal enclosures.* Responds to inquiries from the fellow animal handlers and the general public.* Stocks animal feed and related supplies.* Operates trucks, tractors and related vehicles as required. Loads and unloads trucks.* Services animal enclosures as needed.* Prepares and maintains related records and reports.* Shall assist in emergencies.* Performs other related duties as assigned.POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS:Education, Experience, & License Requirements* Bachelor's degree in biology or zoology, or related field is required supplemented by two or more years' experience in the handling, conditioning, and care of exotic animals in a zoo or aquarium setting. A Bachelor's degree may be substituted with a minimum of four years full-time experience at an AZA accredited institution working as an animal handler/keeper.* Must have an appropriate, valid driver's licenseREQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:* Working knowledge of environmental, health, and dietary needs of animals; animal restraint and capture techniques; basic facility maintenance; typical behaviors of a variety of animals; zoo operations; public relations techniques.* Knowledge of basic animal care including related safety precautions.* Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the training of a variety of zoo animals.* Knowledge of Rock Island County Forest Preserve District standards and codes, practices, policies and procedures.* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.* Ability to perform duties in occasionally unpleasant surroundings.* Ability to communicate with the public tactfully and courteously.* Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.* Skill in the physical handling of a variety of zoo animals.* Skill in the operation of zoo maintenance equipment, motor vehicles and related equipment.How to ApplyPlease direct all inquiries to:Tammy Schmidttschmidt@niabizoo.comNiabi ZooRock Island, ILVisit our website