Animal Keeper - Primates

Animal Keeper - Primates

SALARY: $19.81 - $25.28 Hourly OPENING DATE: 01/04/13   CLOSING DATE: 01/18/13 05:00 PM   POSITION SUMMARY: Entry: $19.81; six months: $21.06; eighteen months: $22.38; thirty months: $23.79; 42 months: $25.28/hour. Day shift. An applicant pool may be established for future vacancies in this classification from the applications received for this position.   The Keeper in this position cares for a variety of exotic animals in the Oregon Zoo’s Primate work area. Duties include cleaning animal holding and exhibit areas; observing animals and maintaining comprehensive records; assisting with breeding and research projects; and participating in the development and implementation of improved animal care and exhibit plans. Keepers also provide education, talks, tours and behind-the-scenes experiences for a variety of audiences. The person in this position will serve as a resource to other Animal Keepers, as needed, and may provide training and direction for volunteers, interns and temporary keepers. Lead direction is received from the Senior Animal Keeper.   About the Oregon ZooOwned and operated by Metro regional government, the Oregon Zoo has an annual attendance of over 1.6 million visitors. The zoo located along the MAX light rail line, just minutes from downtown Portland, is highly regarded nationally, regionally and locally. The Oregon Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals representing 279 species of amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates and mammals. It's an exciting time at the zoo! The passage of a voter supported bond measure has allowed us to design and build new exhibits for elephants, primates, polar bears, hippos, California condors and a new conservation education facility, a new veterinary center (recently opened) and penguin filtration system. The master plan includes a strong focus on water and energy conservation and improved sustainability of all zoo operations. To learn more about the Oregon Zoo, visit www.oregonzoo.org.   ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: An employee in this position must be able to perform all of the essential job duties listed below with or without reasonable accommodation; however, this list is not intended to include all of the specific tasks which an employee in this position may be expected to perform. Performs and coordinates daily care and maintenance of enclosures, yards, pools, and food and water receptacles. Checks condition of animal environments to assess security and safety for animals. Initiates corrective actions for exhibit deficiencies. Coordinates, oversees and performs animal feeding duties such as preparing prescribed diets and offering food in a manner most likely to result in total consumption. Makes precise reports on food consumption. Performs general husbandry tasks. Assists in developing animal care plans, protocols and procedures. Observes animals throughout assigned shift to identify normal and abnormal behavior, reproductive behavior, eating habits, health problems, injuries, adjustments to diet, and changes or response to medication. Assesses whether alternative practice could be implemented; consults with medical staff as warranted. Checks condition of enclosures, doors, and other features and identifies equipment needs and requests repairs or modifications. Utilizes animal training and conditioning to facilitate participation and cooperation with daily husbandry and medical procedures.  Facilitates and enhances education and experiences for visitors and other persons. Assists other Zoo staff in the preparation of educational material by providing information about animal behavior, size, habitat, etc. Acts as a resource to public and leads tours through area. Assists the public, public officials and other employees in a professional and courteous manner. Works closely to coordinate with colleagues, supervisors, gardeners, custodians, security, maintenance and other Zoo staff. Contributes to a positive team atmosphere. Administers medications as prescribed by Veterinarian; observes animals to determine the medications taken; informs Veterinarian of response to medication or other treatments. Performs routine blood draws. Follows veterinarian orders for medical care. Designs, develops and implements enrichment programs. This includes brainstorming and researching, presentation and approvals, fabrication and formulations, and tests and observations to promote mental and physical stimulation. Assists with the capture, restraint or segregation of animals for shipment, medical treatment, research or transfer to another area. Designs and maintains a variety of records and keeps records on daily health, behavior and diet, food inventory and supply, breeding and mating activity, births, deaths, transfers, etc. Compiles data for a variety of reports. Represents, as assigned, the Oregon Zoo to and with wildlife coalitions and other professional associations. This may include preparation and presentation of research papers, developing innovative protocols and procedures, or guiding conservation and recovery programs. Participates in professional development and research functions, plans and conducts research, conservation, and other projects; attends animal keeper meetings, and confers with supervisor and administrative staff concerning findings, practices and facilities as assigned. Coordinates and performs first responder and emergency service functions and also helps establish safety protocols to maintain animal health and security and public protection. Performs assigned duties during an emergency situation. Operates and maintains tools and equipment to maintain a safe working environment, including pepper spray, painted safety zones, gloves, goggles, respirators, ear plugs, face masks, video monitors, mirrors, lockout/tagouts, signage, baffle boards, electric fencing, CO2 canisters, fire extinguishers, ozone detectors, first aid kits, foot baths and other items. Develops safe work habits and contributes to the safety of self and co-workers. Has regular and punctual attendance. Performs other duties as assigned.   MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor degree in biology, zoology, or related field and three years of progressive primate experience in a zoo or similar institution working with a variety of primates (old world, new world primates and apes); or equivalent combination of education and experience. At least two years experience working with great apes is required with demonstrated skill in ape training, enrichment, and social introductions. Animal keeping experience should illustrate sufficient knowledge to be familiar with duties associated with routine maintenance, feeding, and general husbandry care. This position requires the possession of, or the ability to obtain, First Aid/CPR certification. Knowledge, skills and abilities Knowledge of general, specialty, and advanced animal care practices and methods, and specific knowledge of general animal husbandry procedures. Knowledge of animal behavior, enrichment practices, operant conditioning, zoo biology and related subjects. Knowledge of animal behavior, health, reproduction, diagnostics, and well being. Knowledge of occupational and other safety required in the area of work assignment. Knowledge of general and specialized materials, methods, tools and equipment. Skill to make thorough observations and document and report observations. Skill to operate a personal computer and associated software and radios. Skill to react quickly to hazardous conditions. Skill to enhance Zoo visitor education, events and experiences, to provide information on animals, keeper functions and animal care, and to interact with the public. Skill to communicate effectively and to maintain effective working relations with colleagues and supervisors. Skill to gain compliance and enforce Zoo rules and regulations and to maintain public and animal safety and control. Ability to fulfill Metro’s employee values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation and sustainability. Ability to learn prescribed routines quickly and to work without close supervision. Ability to work independently and function as a team member or team leader. Ability to develop and maintain multiple priorities to ensure work is completed. Ability to understand issue or follow complex oral and written instructions. Ability to work with and be comfortable around exotic and sometimes dangerous animals. Ability to lead and/or perform emergency service and first responder functions. Ability to physically perform strenuous manual work indoors and outdoors under severe climate conditions in hazardous locations and in enclosed spaces and at heights and under other adverse conditions. Ability to perform essential duties which may include lifting up to 50 pounds. Ability to apply Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations for respective field. Ability to use discretion with confidential and sensitive matters. Ability to provide excellent customer service by meeting the needs and interacting with employees, volunteers, vendors, the public and others encountered during the course of work in a courteous and professional manner. Ability to work in a safe manner and follow Metro safety policies, practices and procedures. Ability to perform the assigned duties of the position. Ability to develop knowledge skills, and abilities and to obtain and maintain any required certifications and licenses.   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Working Conditions: Duties may require prolonged strenuous efforts in hazardous locations, contaminated areas, enclosed spaces, at heights, under inclement weather, and in proximity to dangerous animals, possible allergens (hay, alfalfa and plant materials) and other adverse conditions. May lift up to 50 pounds.   Online applications: Metro now accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.   Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources (503) 797-1570.   Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.   Representation/classification: This position is represented by LIUNA Local 483 under the Animal Keeper classification.   Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans’ preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.   Criminal background check: In order to protect the well being of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro will conduct criminal background checks on all internal and external final applicants selected for Metro positions, including volunteers and interns. Employment at Metro is contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background check. By signing this application for employment, you are consenting to a background check, which includes a criminal history and a driving records check.  A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources and provided a copy of the Fair Credit Reporting Act prior to initiation of a background check.   Equal employment opportunity:  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law.  Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.   An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT: http://www.oregonmetro.gov OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT: 600 NE Grand Ave Portland, OR 97232 503-797-1570 jobs@oregonmetro.gov