CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

 

JOB TITLE:	Animal Keeper	POSITION NUMBER(S):	1661
DEPARTMENT:	Zoo	GRADE:	305
DIVISION:		FLSA STATUS:
SECTION/UNIT:		UNION ELIGIBLE:
REPORTS TO:	Curator	EEO CATEGORY:
		EPAS JOB FAMILY:

 

 

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job.  The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time.  Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress.  Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).  Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

 

JOB OBJECTIVE:  Performs various duties required to maintain a clean and healthy environment for animals at the Little Rock Zoo.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

 

1.         Observes animals in assigned area for injuries or symptoms of disease, and changes in behavior; reports changes and problems to supervisor; recommends changes to assist animals' psychological and physiological well being; implements approved changes.

 

2.         Prepares food and feeds animals according to established diets and assigned schedule; researches, recommends and implements approved diet changes.

 

3.         Maintains detailed narratives and charts of animal observations, care, and handling.

 

4.         Captures and restrains animals for transport, examination or medical treatment.

 

5.         Prepares a list of animals in assigned area requiring routine veterinary care; notifies supervisors of animals requiring emergency attention.

 

6.         Administers prescribed medication to animals by mixing with food or by injection as required; assists veterinarian in administration of medication or treatment of animals.

 

7.         Completes daily worksheets listing amount of food eaten, medications administered, changes in animal behavior, symptoms of disease or other indications of needs for special attention, and any repair or maintenance required for enclosures.

 

8.         Maintains plant life in displays and enclosures by watering and fertilizing as necessary; sprays or spreads approved chemicals to exterminate pests, diseases or unwanted plants.

 

9.         Unloads and stores shipments of food and supplies; notifies supervisor of supplies needed.

 

10.       Cleans cages and enclosures using water hose and hand tools.

 

11.       Operates pickup truck to transport animals or pick up supplies.

 

12.       Provides special handling or training for specific animals as required.

 

13.       Recommends animals to be acquired or transferred; recommends repairs and special projects.

 

14.       Answers questions and provides information to Zoo visitors regarding animal diets, handling, and habitat; educates visitors regarding harassing or feeding animals.

 

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1.         Provides information and assistance in designing and constructing cages, displays, and enclosures.

 

2.         Reviews available material and completes animal surveys for other zoos by providing detailed narratives and charts on behavior, diet, and zoo habitat.

 

3.         Prepares articles for publication by Zoo personnel or other organizations.

 

4.         Provides information and training to Zoo volunteers and Docents.

 

5.         Performs other related duties as required.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  None.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

 

Knowledge of exotic animal behavior, physiology, and habitat.

 

Knowledge of enclosure, cage, and display construction and repair.

 

Knowledge of handling, sedating, and transporting exotic animals.

 

Knowledge of diet and environmental needs of exotic animals.

 

Knowledge of minor electrical, concrete, and plumbing repairs and maintenance.

 

Skill in the operation of hand and light power tools.

 

Skill in the operation of automatic and standard (manual) transmission automobiles.

 

Ability to work around and with potentially dangerous wild animals in a controlled environment.

 

Ability to recognize changes in animal behavior which indicate disease, injury, or a need for special handling.

 

Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with members of the public, Zoo volunteers, and other City employees.

 

Ability to research available resource materials regarding specific animals or species.

 

Ability to write detailed narrative reports.

 

Ability to perform manual labor.

 

Ability to maintain detailed records on animal observations and care.

 

Ability to read and follow instructions regarding veterinary treatment and medication of animals.

 

Ability to lift weights of up to 100 pounds.

 

These knowledge, skills, and abilities are usually, although not always, acquired through completion of high school, one year of experience in the care of elephants, great apes, reptiles or other exotic animals in a controlled environment, based on departmental need.  Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

 

Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Arkansas Class D (Non-Commercial Vehicle) Driver’s License before employment and maintain licensure for the duration of employment in this position.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

The physical activities marked below are representative of those that will be required on a regular basis  to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

	YES	NO
work involves lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying 40 pounds or more
work involves the operation of earth-moving equipment or commercial motor vehicles
work involves the operation of non-commercial motor vehicles
work involves the operation of tools such as axes, shovels, sling blades
work involves the operation of motorized equipment such as chain saws, power saws, jackhammers, lawn mowers, tractors
work involves stooping, bending, twisting, or reaching out in unusual positions
work involves climbing or running
works above ground or floor level, such as on stools or ladders
works in a relatively high average degree of temperature over a long period of time
work involves considerable physical exertion of the whole body over a long period of time
work requires near vision (20 inches or less)
work requires distance vision (20 feet or more)
work involves detection of color differences
work involves determination of the correct location of a sound, such as footsteps
work involves hearing and understanding conversation or sounds

 

 

Updated:    August 1995 (format changes on January 2002)

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