Animal Keeper

Duties: Under the supervision of the Animal Curator, the Animal Keeper will be responsible for:

• Care for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo’s collection.
• Clean and disinfect displays and off-site areas in a timely and efficient manner.
• Clean and disinfect dishes, pans, and utensils used in diet preparation and animal care.  Participate in all aspects of kitchen clean-up.
• Keep work areas and public areas neat and orderly.
• Prepare and distribute diets, assist in the formulation of diets, and the procurement of animal needs.
• Assist in the handling of, administration of medication to, assisting in surgery, and record keeping of medications to assigned string.
• Aide in the acquisition and distribution of consumable products necessary to maintain a wild animal population. Submit requests for animal supplies, expenditures, and bills to the Animal Curator.
• Maintain accurate records and paperwork necessary to maintain a captive animal population.
• Participate in preventative medicine/procedures and report animal health concerns to the Animal Curator or Zoo Director; serve as the liaison with the veterinarian as needed.
• Recommend procedures for animal care, and research, and recommend animals for acquisition/disposition. Meet monthly in animal collection meetings as well as regularly with the Animal Curator to maintain information flow on the animal collection. Set goals and objectives based on review.
• Participate in behavioral enhancement for the animal collection.
• Report all malfunctions of heating, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical equipment and submit maintenance needs to the Animal Curator and maintenance staff.
• Report emergencies and unusual situations to appropriate personnel.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks as needed. Assist in exhibit repair and construction. Ensure exhibits are properly maintained for the species displayed and the general public.
• Assist in programming and promotions of the zoo including working with volunteers. May be required to provide programming on an ongoing basis.
• Wear the designated uniform during regular zoo hours.
• Assume responsibility for knowing, being trained, and following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed.
• Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Support all aspects of the Park District’s safety program.
• Perform other duties assigned:
  • which are reasonably related to the duties described; or
  • which need to be performed promptly to avoid safety hazards or to protect Park District property; or
  • which are not generally described in other job descriptions; or
  • when the amount of work exceeds the availability of Park District employees within the appropriate job classification.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to reach, walk, pull, kneel, squat, and bend at the waist and knees.
• Ability to understand and complete record keeping and paperwork relative to job duties.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Education: Four-year college degree in a related field.  Although a degree is preferred, extensive experience in a similar position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.

Experience: One year of full-time experience in the care and maintenance of wild and/or domestic animals is required.  A combination of education and experience may substitute.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Basic knowledge of characteristics, diet, habits, and well-being of wild and domestic animals.
• Aptitude for on-the-job training and ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work harmoniously with the public and fellow employees in a positive and cooperative manner.
• Must be dependable, courteous, and able to work with people of all ages.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.
• Requires valid Illinois State Driver’s License.
• Personal: Must demonstrate reliability, initiative, tact, and resourcefulness.
• This position is represented by the AFSCME, AFL-CIO’s Local Union No. 3774.

Benefits and Perks:

• Paid sick days, vacation days, and holidays.
• Longevity bonus program and wellness program.
• Pension and retirement programs and Social Security participating.
• Exceptional health plan.
• Paid Life Insurance.
• Disability Insurance.
• Full-time employees and dependents enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.  

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.  

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.