Organization: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
(AZA Member)
Location: Powell, OH, United States
Job or Internship: Job
Responsible for the daily care of animals within assigned team as well as all other animals within the region; tests water quality and monitors life support systems and all region exhibit/habitat and grounds maintenance.
Typical Tasks:
· Provides care for the region’s animals including fish, invertebrates, birds, amphibians, mammals and reptiles, including but not limited to food preparation, feeding, monitoring diets, enrichment, water changes, observing medical and behavioral changes, behavioral stimulation and assists with medical treatment as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarians.
· Cleans and maintains the region’s exhibit areas (e.g. servicing life support systems, use of water quality testing equipment), performs basic horticulture work within exhibit.
· Performs minor maintenance, water quality testing, water changes, filter maintenance and other work related to aquatic systems.
· Utilizes chemical supply products and follows standardized usage guidelines and safety information as set by the Material Data Sheets.
· Assures safety of self, the living collection, co-workers and visitors by observing safety guidelines around the animals, equipment, and vehicles.
· Maintains accurate, up-to-date records (e.g. daily, monthly) on the collection.
· Provides educational information about the region’s animal population through such activities as interacting with the public, conducting keeper talks, staffing interpreter stations, conducting tours and workshops, attending docent meetings and composing articles for zoo publications.
· Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements and Desired Abilities
· Bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal science, biology or related field required. Four years of relevant zookeeping experience may be substituted for a degree.
· Experience in zookeeping (6 months to one year) required.
· Demonstrated ability to perform strenuous physical work without limitations required.
· Demonstrated ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
· Demonstrate ability to work a flexible schedule required.
· Possession of a valid Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license and good driving record, as well as ability to operate standard shift vehicles required.
· Minimum six months to one year animal husbandry experience working with fish, amphibians, invertebrates, rodents, avian and reptiles (venomous and non-venomous) preferred.
· Experience in diagnosis and treatment of common diseases of fish, amphibians, invertebrates, birds, mammals and reptiles preferred.
· Experience in the maintenance of aquariums, aquatic life support systems, and use of water quality testing equipment preferred.
· Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement into classification and annual thereafter.
· Demonstrated ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment.
If assigned duties include diving:
· S.C.U.B.A. certification required.
· Demonstrated ability to pass Dive Program annual swim test required.
· Demonstrated ability to pass Dive Program physical exam required.
apply online at www.columbuszoo.org