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Job Description
Summary
Minimum starting salary is $19.63 per hour depending on qualifications
This position is on our Aquatics team
THE CITY OF WACO SEEKS:
An animal care professional who is familiar with modern husbandry practices. Do you have a passion for marine life and a commitment to animal care? We are seeking an Aquatics Zookeeper to join our team at the Cameron Park Zoo. If you are ready to dive into an exciting career caring for aquatic animals, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! Your career can make a difference. Believe it. Join us today!
Minimum Qualifications
Required:- Associate's Degree in Zoology, Biological Sciences, or related field
- Three years of animal care work experience;
- OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License
Under basic supervision, serves as a lead keeper within the assigned area (Aquatics). This position will assist in overseeing the day-to-day operations and play a primary role in employee training and development. The Senior Zookeeper acts as a liaison between the team and leadership, helping to assure adherence to policies and procedures while developing supervisory skills.
Position Responsibilities- Assists with the daily care, husbandry and nutrition of assigned animals; resolves problems within scope of authority; duties may vary according to job assignment.
- Monitors and maintains Zoo exhibits, identifies animal care issues, prepares and distributes diets and supplements; monitors animal health issues, behavior and eating habits; maintains records; examines exhibit facilities and grounds to assure proper maintenance procedures are followed.
- Assist manager in training new employees assigned to the department.
- Assist veterinary staff in the treatment of collection animals and act as a liaison between vet staff and leadership and the zookeeper team.
- Provide guidance to fellow employees in safety practices and improved techniques and procedures for handling or restraining animals.
- Practice good judgment in decision-making as related to animal care, emergencies, and projects, particularly in the manager’s absence.
- Actively encourage interest in wildlife and promote the zoo’s mission through positive interaction with zoo guests via educational chats focused on animals, biology, conservation, and environmental issues
- Handle and display presentation animals for both onsite and offsite programs, providing public with educational information in a fun and professional manner.
- Daily behavioral observation and animal training. Utilize operant conditioning techniques to maintain current behaviors and build new repertoire in experienced and naïve animals.
- Follow all safety protocols and understand the senior zookeepers’ role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required.
- Make recommendations regarding diet changes, habitat design, husbandry and related matters and take steps to accomplish those goals.
- Continually observe and evaluate animal behavior and conditions for animals in the department and report any problems to the appropriate manager.
- Assists with public education, community outreach and safety and security programs.
The City of Waco offers a complete benefits package for eligible employees including; health, dental, vision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Accounts, life insurance, long term and short term disability, retirement, deferred compensation plans, holidays, vacation, sick leave, credit union and savings bonds.
To learn more about the benefits offered, visit our Benefits page.
Why Work For Waco:- Meaningful and challenging work
- Make a difference and improve communities
- Competitive Salary and Benefits
- Full Range of Benefits, including Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
- Mandatory TMRS Retirement Plan with a 2:1 City Match
- Education Assistance Program
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance
- Longevity Pay
- And More!
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Waco
Show moreWaco is centrally located in the heart of Texas on the I-35 corridor midway between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin. This progressive and diverse city with a vibrant community spirit offers major attractions, museums, recreation, and abundant shopping to more than 140,000 residents. Waco is the 25th largest city in Texas and the county seat of McLennan County.
Waco is not only briming with Texas history, economic opportunity, and a rich variety of cultural experiences, it is also a major seat of high learning within three major colleges in its city limits including Baylor University, Texas State Technical College and McLennan Community College.
The city is also the birthplace of Dr. Pepper, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Waco boasts one of the biggest and best municipal parks in Texas, Cameron Park. While the park is located in the middle of downtown situated on the Brazos and Bosque River it hosts numerous races, triathlons, boat races and much, much more.
Governance and Organization
Waco is a home rule city with a council-manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of a Mayor, elected at-large, and five City Council members representing single-member districts, all serving two-year terms. The City Council sets the tax rate, approves the budget, appoints members to City boards and commissions, enacts City ordinances, and appoints the City Manager, City Attorney, City Secretary, and the Municipal Court Judge.
The City has a strong Financial Management Policy that guides the operation and delivery of quality City services, contributes to excellent AA+ and Aa1 bond ratings, and maintains an unassigned fund balance reserve in the General Fund equal to 28% of current year budgeted expenditures. The City of Waco has more than 1,600 employees and a total operating budget of over $400 million.
The City provides a full range of municipal services including a regional airport, animal services, building inspections, code enforcement, convention and visitors bureau, emergency management, housing and community development, economic development, fire, public health, library, municipal court, parks and recreation, planning, police, public works, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum, utilities and zoo operations.
The City Council and City Manager are committed to the mission of providing exemplary municipal services for citizens and visitors in a collaborative and transparent manner while honoring the public’s trust. Waco values include providing excellent and innovative services, promoting equality and inclusion, focusing on teamwork, investing in people and always doing the right thing.
With the City of Waco, you will find our home; where everyone belongs and thrives as move forward together.
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