Animal Keeper Part-Time

Duties: Under the supervision of the Curator of Animals, the Animal Keeper Part-Time will be responsible for:

• Caring for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo’s collection.
• Cleaning and disinfecting displays and off-site areas in a timely and efficient manner.
• Cleaning and disinfecting dishes, pans and utensils used in diet
• preparation and animal care.  Participating in all aspects of kitchen
• clean-up.
• Keeping work areas and public area neat and orderly.
• Preparing and distributing diet, assisting in the formulation of diets and the procurement of animal needs.
• Assisting in the handling of, administration of medication to, assisting in surgery, and record keeping of medications to assigned string.
• Aiding in the acquisition and distribution of consumable products necessary to maintain a wild animal population.  Submits requests for animal supplies, expenditures and bills to Animal Curator.
• Maintaining accurate records and paperwork necessary to maintain a captive animal population.
• Participating in preventative medicine/procedures and reports animal health concerns to the Animal Curator or Zoo Director; serves as liaison with veterinarian as needed.
• Recommending procedures for animal care, researches and recommends animals for acquisition/disposition. Meets monthly in animal collection meetings as well as regularly with Animal Curator to maintain information flow on the animal collection.  Sets goals and objectives based upon review.
• Participating in behavioral enhancement for the animal collection.
• Reporting all malfunctions of heating, plumbing, mechanical and electrical equipment and submitting maintenance needs to the Animal Curator and maintenance staff.
• Reporting emergencies and unusual situations to appropriate personnel.
• Performing routine maintenance tasks as needed. Assisting in exhibit repair and construction. Ensuring exhibits are properly maintained for the species displayed and the general public.
• Assisting in programming and promotions of the zoo to include working with volunteers. May be required to provide programming on an on-going basis.
• Wearing proper designated uniform during regular zoo hours.
• Assuming responsibility for knowing, being trained and following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed.
• Follows all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed.  Supports all aspects of the Park District’s safety program.
• Performing 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: A two-year college degree in a related field. Although a degree is preferred, extensive experience in a like position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.

Experience: One year of 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.
• Personal: Must demonstrate reliability, initiative, tact and resourcefulness.
• Requires a valid Illinois State Driver’s License.

Perks:

• Part-time employees 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.