Zoo Keeper - Nutrition Center (Temporary)

Nature of Work

Effective immediately the Nutrition Center has an opening for a Part-time Zoo Keeper (starting pay: $8.80). The Nutrition Center Zoo Keeper performs a variety of tasks related to the storage, preparation, and delivery of food stuffs in the zoo, as well as handling and care of animals and their environments including heavy manual labor when needed. The work requires an amount of independent action with less immediate supervision given after experience is acquired. The Zoo Keeper reports to the Commissary Supervisor.

Essential Functions:

• Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees.
• Constantly exhibit a customer service attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in visitor comfort and service.
• Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner and assist visitors with questions and directions to various areas of the Zoo. Address the visitor - do not wait to be asked.
• Remove trash and debris from public areas; i.e. pick up litter whenever you see it.
• Driving motor vehicles, forklift, and operating mechanical equipment.
• Operating food service equipment including food grinders, mixers, and band saws.
• Preparing animal diets according to formulas and feeding schedules.
• Preparing and delivering food items through the Zoo often prior to daylight.
• Dispensing dry goods and cleaning supplies to Zoo personnel.
• Performing routines in the daily care and maintenance of animals including food preparation, water and natural needs according to formulas and feeding schedules.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of animal nutrition, behavior and biology.
• Knowledge of food sanitation and food handling procedures.
• Ability to safely operate food services equipment and light motor vehicles.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to withstand heavy outdoor labor in extreme temperatures typical of south Texas.
• Ability to lift from ground level, move approximately 10' through unobstructed traffic, and return to point of origin heavy (80 lb.) objects.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to work weekends, holidays and occasional after-hours assignments.
• Associate degree in nutrition, wildlife management, zoology, biology or related field.
  
• A strong desire to work with animals as indicated by educational background and/or previous experience.
  
• One-year zoo keeping experience.
• Valid Texas driver's license.
  

Qualified candidates desiring consideration may submit an application or resume and cover letter to:

San Antonio Zoo
HR Dept./Programs Coordinator Opening
3903 N. St. Mary's Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 734-7291 Fax

Download the Zoo's Employment Application (PDF)

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