Animal Keeper

Recruitment #122118-MGAH01-400300

Introduction

 

Come work at The Brandywine Zoo which is managed by Delaware State Parks with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society. This quaint facility is home to a variety of species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. At Brandywine Zoo, visitors return again and again to see our animals in natural settings. Come see our Golden Lion Tamarins, red pandas, Andean condors, Florida bobcat, sandhill crane, burrowing owls, pygmy goats, llama, rhea, and the world's largest rodent, the capybara. And little ones love the petting zoo!

Click here to learn more about the Brandywine Zoo!

Summary Statement

This position is responsible for providing high levels of general care and welfare of zoo animals including cleaning and maintaining exhibits and zoo facilities, training and enrichment of the animal collection, landscaping, exhibit security and assisting with educational programming.

Preferred Qualification

Applicants who do not possess the preferred qualification will still be eligible to compete for this position if job requirements are met.

  1. Bachelors degree or higher in Animal Husbandry, Animal Physiology, Zoology, Biology or related field.
  2. Knowledge of using operant conditioning/training in a zoological setting.
  3. Six months experience working in an AZA accredited zoo.

Essential Functions

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.

Job Requirements

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


  1. Six months experience in feeding, monitoring diet, and caring for animals in an animal care facility such as a zoo or hospital/clinic.
  2. Six months experience in operating and maintaining motor vehicles, landscaping and grounds keeping equipment and hand tools.
  3. Six months experience in recording, interpreting and communicating observations concerning animal health and behaviors.
  4. Knowledge of biology, natural resources, wildlife management or environmental studies.  

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas.  

Criminal background check:  A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.  The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.    

As a condition of hire you must possess a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Applicants must provide proof of negative Tuberculosis test within the last 12 months before start date.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at http://ben.omb.delaware.gov/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at www.delawarestatejobs.com.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.  The State of Delaware – An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.