Animal Keeper (#MGAH01)
$28,149.00 Yearly Min / $35,186.00 Yearly Mid / $42,223.00 Yearly Max

Assistant Zoo Manager (#MGAH02)
$34,484.00 Yearly Min / $43,105.00 Yearly Mid / $51,726.00 Yearly Max

Zoo Manager (#MGAH03)
$39,484.00 Yearly Min / $49,355.00 Yearly Mid / $59,226.00 Yearly Max

This class series uses three levels in the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Sciences occupational group, Agriculture and Animal Services occupational series and describes work in maintaining a zoo including the animals, exhibits, grounds and facilities.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Cares for, feeds and handles wild/exotic animals.
   
• Observes the medical and behavioral condition of animals and  reports conditions.
   
•  Ensures clean and maintained animal exhibits and facilities.
   
• Ensures appropriate grounds and equipment maintenance.
   
• Responds to visitor questions and educates visitors about the care and handling of animals.
   
• Ensures exhibit security to prevent vandalism and maltreatment of animals.
   
• Maintains and compiles records and reports.

Animal Keeper

This level is responsible for feeding and providing for the general care and welfare of zoo animals, cleaning and maintaining exhibit enclosures and zoo facilities, maintaining gardens and grounds and providing exhibit security.

• Reports to a technical superior.
• Performs the full range of essential functions.
• Prepares food according to prescribed diets, feeds animals and administers prescribed medications in accordance with protocol direction.
• Cleans and performs routine maintenance on animal exhibits and facilities.
• Performs grounds and equipment maintenance.
• Informs superior about the needs of the animals and the zoo.
• Complies with security and safety practices around wild animals for the protection of the public and animals and participates in capturing, incapacitating, and moving wild animals.
• Operates motor vehicles and a variety of light and medium equipment.

Assistant Zoo Manager

This is the supervisory level responsible for supervising the feeding, general care and welfare of exhibit animals, grounds and equipment maintenance and visitors' safety and assisting with the day-to-day planning and implementation of other operational activities of the zoo.

• Reports to the Zoo Manager.
• Assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of Animal Keepers and seasonal staff; participates in hiring, training and resolving personnel matters.
• Plans and coordinates operations with the Zoo Manager.
• Represents the zoo to the general public and at speaking programs.
• Inspects zoo grounds, exhibits and facilities to ensure adherence of safety standards and recommends action to correct unsafe conditions.

Zoo Manager

This is management and supervisory work involving the proper care and maintenance of a zoological collection as well as the use of a zoological park.

• Receives limited supervision from an on-site Park Administrator.
• Consults with subordinates and contractors (behavioral, pathology, veterinary) regarding the zoo collection, adhering to collection policies and procedures and complying with established protocols, professional standards, and governmental regulations and contracts. Monitors contractual compliance of security, veterinary and concession personnel and negotiates correction of non-compliance. Alerts superior in the event of continued non-compliance.
• Works with the Park Administrator in evaluating and coordinating the zoological collection according to collection plans, developing policies and procedures, participating in exhibit, signage and facility planning, research and design, developing and monitoring operating and capital budgets, developing mid and long range plans and assessing staffing needs.
• Develops and implements an effective program for animal general care and welfare, maintaining exhibits including horticultural aspects, water systems, interpretative exhibits and signage, maintenance program for equipment, grounds and facilities and a record keeping system for the collection.
• Oversees revenue collection, recording and deposit.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with the related park administration, zoo educators, benefactors, friends society and zoo volunteers. Serves on planning and policy committees.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA's listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of animal biology, behavior and caring, feeding and handling of wild animals.
• Knowledge of safety practices around wild animals.
• Knowledge of the techniques for restraining or capturing wild animals.
• Knowledge of zoological standards, policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Knowledge of grounds maintenance.
• Knowledge of the safe operation and maintenance of motor vehicles, landscaping and grounds keeping equipment and hand tools.
• Knowledge of basic methods and techniques used in the traditional building and mechanical trades.
• Ability to keep records.
• Ability to effectively communicate.
• Ability to use tools, equipment, chemicals and pesticides in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Assistant Zoo Manager requires:

• Knowledge of zoology.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards and protocols pertaining to zoos and their wild animals.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of zoo management.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of grounds, facility and equipment maintenance.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Zoo Manager requires:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of management of a zoological park.
• Knowledge of federal and state fiscal policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of visual arts as it relates to exhibit design and animal presentation.
• Knowledge of animal security needs.
• Ability to evaluate general animal health.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and organize.
• Ability to conduct interpretive and educational presentations.
• Ability to solve problems and handle emergency situations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Zoo Manager
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Animal Husbandry, Animal Physiology, Zoology, Biology or related field.
2. Three years experience in monitoring and adjusting diet of wild/exotic animals.
3. Six months experience in medicating wild/exotic animals.
4. Six months experience in feeding, monitoring diet, handling, and observing wild/exotic animals.
5. Six months experience in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others.