<p>Buttonwood Park Zoo</p> <p>Zoo Caretaker</p> <p>This position provides exceptional animal care including life support and veterinary assistance, husbandry, training, and enrichment, and is also responsible for general maintenance, housekeeping and groundskeeping at the zoo.</p> <p>1.Performs daily observation of animals including gathering vital signs and statistics for each animal. 2. Inspects all animals under care daily for signs of illness, injury, motor impairment, stress, reproductive behavior, pregnancy, the presence of ectoparasites, abnormal behavior patterns or other signs of health and welfare. 3. Reports injuries and illnesses of animals to the Assistant Director of Zoological Services. 4. Provides thorough, accurate and complete recordkeeping in daily reports, treatment sheets, feed logs and/or other records as required by the Assistant Director or the Zoo's Veterinarian. 5. May assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and extended care of sick or injured animals including the administration of medication and physical therapy. 6. Assists in the capture and restraint of animals for the purpose of diagnosis of illness, administration of medication, confinement for transportation, or the shifting of animals between habitats. 7. Provides positive and effective customer service and promotes and maintains responsive community and working relations. 8. Aids in the design of animal diets through daily observation and analysis of the animals' food intake, metabolism, and physical condition to determine the diet's nutritional effectiveness; may conduct diet research for animals. 9. Examines fecal material and urine for signs of abnormal functioning of the digestive tract, the presence of parasite infestation, and the ability to metabolize foodstuffs. 10. Feeds and provides water to animals under care; cleans and disinfects food and water dishes. 11. Cleans animal habitats, pens, cages, and barns; disinfects animal areas and cages; cleans buildings and public areas; removes all waste from dumpsters. 12. Observes the public to prevent harassment or injury to animals and ensures the safety of the public. Zoo Caretaker 13. Answers questions from the public about animals, making use of knowledge acquired through independent research and in-service training as well as through practical work experience. 14. May give educational animal demonstrations (both on and off Zoo grounds) and Zoo tours. 15. Performs manual work in cleaning, repair, construction and general care of animal habitats, buildings, and grounds to promote the safety of animals and visitors to the Zoo. 16. Performs routine groundskeeping work such as cutting grass, raking leaves, picking up debris and snow removal within the Zoo area. 17. Performs minor maintenance work for the Zoo facility, including painting and minor carpentry work; keeps drains unclogged; repairs fencing; patches concrete. 18. Cares for trees, shrubs, plants, and flowerbeds on Zoo grounds. 19. Drives motor vehicles to deliver hay or feed to animal areas, to pick up supplies from sources outside Zoo grounds, or to transport animals to the veterinary staff or other Zoos. 20. Participates in training programs for animals under care; may include 24 hours a day care in administering specialized feeding schedule and other vital maternal care. 21. Prepares animal diets by reading diet sheets and placing food in appropriate dishes; scrubs and disinfects food preparation area. 22. Directs activities of new employees, seasonal employees, and volunteers in their responsibilities. 23. Performs related duties as assigned. 24. This position is deemed essential personnel and must report to work during emergency situations.</p> <p>Experience Required</p> <p>Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience • Associate's degree or two years of technical training in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Psychology, or a related field. • Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Requirements • Subject to Mandatory CORI (Criminal Offender Record Investigation) Job Description Zoo Caretaker- Buttonwood Park Zoo - 07/2024 • Must provide documentation of negative Tuberculosis (TB) testing from within six (6) months prior to employment. • Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver's license and good driving record. Operates a motor vehicle on a regular basis and subject to drug/alcohol testing.</p> <p>Further Comments</p> <p>Required Skills and Abilities • Animal care and feeding practices. • Materials, methods (including animal restraint) and equipment used for daily care, medical care, grounds keeping, aquatic life support and plumbing. • Applicable safety measures and precautions. • Research and convey current animal and conservation statuses. • Understand and follow written and oral instructions and established safety procedures. • Work independently with minimal supervision. • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and the general public. • Observing and recognizing normal and abnormal animal behavior, stress, shock, distance, territoriality, and social dominance. • Handling wild animals. • Public speaking. • Customer service.</p> <p>Salary</p> <p>$19.92/hr</p> <p>How to Apply</p> <p>Applications may be submitted online at: https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/personnel/employment-opportunities/</p> <ul> <li>As a condition of employment, a candidate must pass a pre-employment physical examination administered by a physician appointed by the City, including drug screening. </li><li>The City also conducts a mandatory Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check prior to a candidate beginning employment. </li></ul> <p>Buttonwood Park Zoo</p> <p>425 Hawthorn Street</p> <p>New Bedford, MA 02740</p> <p>Phone: 5089916178</p> <p>Fax: Buttonwood Park Zoo</p> <p>Visit our website</p>