Organization: Ellen Trout Zoo
(AZA Member)
Location: Lufkin, TX, United States
Job or Internship: Job
The Ellen Trout Zoo is looking for a motivated professional person to become part of our team. Types of animals under the care of this person include a high proportion of venomous snakes. Herp experience, especially venomous snake experience, will be highly beneficial. Other animals will include non-venomous snakes, crocodilians, lizards, turtles/tortoises, invertebrates, amphibians, as well as some birds and mammals. Examples of duties include all aspects of daily animal care and maintenance including cleaning, feeding, watering, observing, enclosure upkeep, propagation, monitoring health, medicating under veterinary supervision, record keeping, informal education exchanges with zoo guests, and other aspects of professional animal care and management.
This person must demonstrate good problem solving, written and oral communication, organizational and interpersonal skills. Other duties include plant care in and around exhibits, assisting with projects and coverage in other sections of the zoo.
The position requires a knowledge of herpetology, including husbandry and exhibitry techniques, nutritional requirements, behavior, common diseases, capture and restraint and propagation methods. Also needed is an ability to work independently and use initiative, maintain accurate records and write meaningful reports. This person should be flexible and adaptable to working within the framework of a small zoo. The position requires a respect for animals, professional attitude about the work and about working as a team member for the benefit of the animals.
Experience with hand tools, carpentry and plumbing are beneficial. The Ellen Trout Zoo is an active participant in Louisiana Pine Snake working groups and propagation efforts as well as many other programs. A wide range of rearing opportunities typically arises, ranging from fer-de-lance to sloths to tortoises to dart frogs, etc.
Physical aspects of the job include: lifting logs, rocks, hay bales, and feed bags; enclosure construction as well as maintaining the natural appearance of exhibits by placing logs, limbs, rocks, etc. in animal enclosures. The job requires standing, stooping, sitting, twisting, walking and lifting of feed sacks and hay bales (minimum of 25-70 pounds.)
Position requires Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or related field; good physical condition; ability to work as a team member with other employees and to present a positive professional image of the City of Lufkin and the Zoo to members of the public. The job involves working on weekends and holidays.
The starting salary is commensurate with experience. For more information about the Ellen Trout Zoo, please visit our website at www.ellentroutzoo.com. Submit a cover letter and resume to Celia Falzone, Ellen Trout Zoo, 402 Zoo Circle, Lufkin, TX 75904.