Animal Handler I

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under general supervision performs a variety of responsible manual and maintenance duties in the care and proactive husbandry of exotic and domestic animals in the Forest Preserve District’s-Niabi Zoo. Incumbent provides proper nutrition and proactive animal husbandry for all animals within the zoo, assists in the provision of veterinary medical treatment of the collection along with performing general maintenance duties in the upkeep of animal habitats and zoo grounds. Incumbent is required to work within teams along with autonomous work throughout the day. 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:

• Provide appropriate animal husbandry, welfare and wellness for a diverse animal collection. Provide proper prescribed nutrition, water and browse for all animals at the zoo. Observes daily activity budgets and ensure proper animal welfare and wellness for all animals and their environment. Handles and assists in the operant conditioning and environmental enrichment of animals as required using best practices, industry standards and safety. Provides public keeper chats and guest relations throughout the zoo.

• Assists in the provision of veterinary medical treatment for animals in all capacities.

• Conduct daily husbandry; sanitation/disinfection and all care needs surrounding animal living spaces (habits and behind the scenes areas).

• Performs general maintenance and lawn care as necessary for zoo grounds.

• Provides security and safety for all animal habitats, behind the scenes spaces and public areas.

• Responds to inquiries from the fellow staff members, vendors/contractors and the general public.

• Contribute to the management of resources and supply stock including transport, stocking and handling.

• Operates trucks, tractors and related vehicles as required and certified. Loads and unloads trucks.

• Prepares and maintains related daily records, quarterly evaluations, life event and animal welfare assessments and related reports.

• Shall assist in emergencies including those occurring before or after normal business hours.

• 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 zoo keeping/managed animal care, 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 a ZAA or AZA accredited institution working as an animal handler/keeper/caregiver.

Must have an appropriate, valid driver’s license and a clear background check.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of environmental, health, and dietary needs of animals; operant conditioning, environmental enrichment and overall best practices in animal welfare/wellness; animal restraint and safe handling and capture techniques; basic facility maintenance/lawn care; 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 proactive care of a wide variety of zoo animals within all genera.

• Ability to learn and willingness to adhere to Niabi Zoo/ Rock Island County Forest Preserve District standards and codes, practices, policies and procedures.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective and constructive working relationships within a diverse group of coworkers.

• Ability to perform duties in or on uneven surfaces, extreme heat, cold and in severe weather.

• Ability to communicate with the public tactfully and courteously.

• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.

• Skill in the physical handling and management of a variety of zoo animals.

• Skill in the operation of maintenance equipment, including, but not limited to motor vehicles, personal computers, hand tools, power tools and related equipment.

Physical Requirements: Task involves the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working in confined spaces and lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20-75 pound) items and occasionally very heavy (100 pounds or over with team members) items; or may involve the complex operation of gasoline, electric or diesel-powered machinery or shop equipment requiring the manipulation of multiple controls, fine adjustments or both; or the sustained operation, on a production basis.

Medical Requirements: Obtain a negative TB test, COVID vaccine with at least one booster and Rabies vaccine prior to start date of hired. Must produce proof of test and vaccines at time of hire. Must adhere to all State mandated, Zoo mandated; evolving Pandemic Safety Measures.

Environmental Requirements: Task may require frequent exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Sensory Requirements: Task requires color perception and discrimination. Task requires sound perception and discrimination. Task requires odor perception and discrimination. Task requires visual perception and discrimination. Task requires oral communications ability.