Brandywine Zoo Animal Keeper

Introduction

The Brandywine Zoo is managed by Delaware State Parks with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society. This quaint facility is home to a variety of species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Click here to learn more about the Brandywine Zoo!

Summary Statement

The duties for this year-round position will include but are not limited to the following: daily cleaning, feeding and observation of animals in a specified area, basic maintenance duties, public speaking through keeper talks and guest interactions, operant conditioning training, exhibit maintenance, basic grounds keeping, record keeping, and other duties required for daily operations. Work is performed indoors and outdoors under various weather conditions. Applicants must be available to work weekends and holidays as scheduled.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Supports the Brandywine Zoo's mission of promoting environmental conservation by providing engaging educational experiences between visitors and wildlife.
• Supports the overall mission of the association of Zoos and Aquariums to be a leader in animal welfare, public engagement, and the conservation of species.
• Works with zookeeper, veterinary, behavioral management, and curator teams to provide exceptional levels of animal care and welfare for animal collection.
• Observes the medical and behavioral condition of animals and reports conditions.
• Ensures clean, safe, and maintained animal exhibits and facilities.
• Ensures appropriate grounds and equipment maintenance.
• Responds to visitor questions and educates visitors about the care and handling of animals.
• Maintains and compiles records and reports using various online programs including Zoological Information Systems (ZIMS).
• Must be able to demonstrate responsibility, dependability, and good communication skills.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Animal Keeper Please attach a resume with your online application or use the resume tab in DEL to provide a detailed description of how your education, training and/or experience meets each job requirement including employer, experience/responsibilities, and dates (month/year) of employment/training.

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• Six months experience in feeding, monitoring diet, and caring for animals in an animal care facility such as a zoo, animal hospital/clinic or animal shelter.
• Six months experience in recording, interpreting, and communicating observations concerning animal health and behaviors.
• Knowledge of biology, natural resources, wildlife management or environmental studies.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Posting Information

This posting may be closed on or before the posted closing date upon filling the vacant position(s).

This is a Casual/Seasonal position which is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits.

Conditions of Hire

DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

Upon a conditional offer, the applicant must undergo a pre-employment base line two step tuberculin skin test (TST) as part of the hiring process.

Selection Process

The application and resume are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training, and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the resume to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education, and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. TDD users may request an auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. You may also call (302) 739-5458 or email [email protected] for additional applicant services support.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.