Employment

Department: Animal

Position: Part Time Keeper Aide – Hoofstock and Birds of Prey

Reports To: General Curator

Summary of Responsibilities:

A highly motivated, skilled individual who will perform tasks associated with the husbandry and maintenance of native and exotic hoofstock and birds of prey in an education and conservation-oriented zoological park.  A successful candidate has a collaborative, team-oriented approach to problem solving, exercises good judgement, efficiently manages time, foresees and applies safety precautions, possesses excellent communication skills, is able to work in a team environment and maintains confidentiality and Zoo safety protocols. All EPZ staff members are responsible for delivering exceptional guest service by creating positive interactions with guests and staff alike.

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities: 

• Assist the Zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitat that will inspire active participation in conservation.
• Assist in creating a safe, clean and efficient working environment throughout the Zoo. Be available as per business needs.
• Adhere to Zoo confidentiality standards as outlined in the Zoo’s Employee Handbook regarding all information regarding customers, animals, business operations, employees, volunteers, and any/all sensitive information.
• Interact cordially and communicate clearly with the public.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform diligent observation and daily husbandry of all animals in assigned areas as stated in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Daily cleaning of exhibits, holding areas, and zoo grounds, as stated in the SOPs

• Provide overall care and maintenance of assigned work areas ensuring animal health, welfare and the safety of animals, staff and guests through established SOPs for animal care and exhibition as set forth by AZA and USDA

• Perform or assist with diet preparation as needed 
• Recognize and remove toxic plants from animal enclosures
• Daily animal recordkeeping using ZIMS and other tracking logs

• Provide approved animal enrichment in accordance with schedule
• Report maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate supervisor
• Assist in training interns as directed
• Assist veterinary staff with the capture, restraint and treatment of animals as well as administration of prescribed medications and treatments (strictly according to written instructions)
• Deliver animal presentations (including virtual) and public speaking when required
• Observe for any unsafe acts which would cause harm to a guest, Zoo property, or animal collection

• Perform other duties assigned by General Curator, Veterinary Staff or CEO

• Responsible for the safety and care of animal collection and zoo guests

Work Environment:

• Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for wild animals in captivity and may include:
  • Exposure to a variety of domestic and wild or potentially dangerous animals; animal odors and animal body fluids
  • Exposure to all types of inclement weather conditions
  • Exposure to chemicals (cleaning, water chemicals, additives, etc.)
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with EPZ staff and volunteers
• Ability to work irregular hours as needed including nights, holidays and weekends
• Ability to work special events and other functions as required

Education & Experience:

• Minimum of 400 hours of non-domestic animal care experience working in a zoo setting with diverse taxa including hoofstock and birds of prey is required, AZA accredited facility preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology or related field
• Successful Completion of the San Diego Zoo Global Academy Animal Welfare Professional Course
• Proficiency in positive reinforcement training preferred

Other Requirements:

• Must have negative TB test, rabies vaccination preferred
• Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor 
• Must have good physical strength and endurance including the ability to lift, move and transport up to 50lbs
• Able to work outside in all weather conditions
• Must be able to work from heights or in confined spaces and have ability to ascend, descend and work from and around stairs and ladders
• Must have a valid driver’s license

Pay: $11/hour

Identification: A valid Driver’s license/State ID and second form of valid identification is required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances

Position: Guest Services Representative

Reports to: Guest Services Management 

Coordinates with: All departments

Summary of Responsibilities: This individual should be highly motivated, responsible, and personable and should have a proactive attitude. Guest Services Representatives (GS Reps) are expected to have an outgoing personality, the ability to problem-solve, and must show an interest in our mission. Operating as the “face” of the organization, GS Reps serve a vital role at the zoo. The Elmwood Park Zoo Guest Services department operates in a variety of facets, and GS Reps are expected to be trained and knowledgeable in these areas. GS Reps have the opportunity to work at a number of locations, both indoors and outdoors, throughout the Zoo. To ensure a quality experience for all guests visiting the zoo, GS Reps are expected to be friendly, positive, and helpful. Responsibilities include but are not limited to, operating a point-of-sale system (POS cash register), cash handling, stocking, and inventory. GS Reps are expected to keep their areas neat and organized.  Guest Services Representatives also have the opportunity to help guests daily by answering questions, providing information and assisting with special requests. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to, assisting with event setup, breakdown, and execution, as well as assisting with small programs, such as birthday parties. 

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities:

• Assist the Zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitat that will inspire active participation in conservation.
• Assist management in ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all areas of the operation of the Zoo. 
• Be available as per business needs.
• Always adhere to proper dress attire.
• Be prepared to work in various outdoor conditions.
• Always follow and adhere to all policies and procedures for their specific department and the organization.
• Use proper radio etiquette (must be able to use a multi-channel radio to communicate with other staff members) and adhere to appropriate procedures according to radio protocol.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure guests are properly greeted and assist at your assigned position.
• Communicate effectively with all guests and groups.
• Respond to guest needs and anticipate their unstated needs
• Ability to be trained in all necessary aspects of the Guest Services Department such as cashier, admissions sales, reception, guest/member check-in, retail sales, event facilitation, and other roles involved with public programming and zoo operations. This position also includes the potential to facilitate evening programs, events, and shows.
• Operate an assigned cash register making proper change, managing transactions, and ensuring a balanced till. 
• Keep the work area neat and orderly, including any merchandise presented and maintaining a professional and clean counter to customers. 
• Responsible for responding to customer inquiries regarding admission rates, hours of operations, memberships, special events, attractions, etc. 
• Inform managers of comments, complaints, or concerns.
• Contribute to the basic daily neatness and organization of the department and other areas. 
• Assist Guest Services team with restocking and inventory in Nature Shop which includes verifying and stocking merchandise when delivered for Nature Shop in accordance with SOP.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by Guest Services Management team.

Basic Qualifications

• This position may require prolonged standing.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs.
• Must be able to work inside or outside in a variety of weather conditions.
• This role position requires full availability for any shift and a minimum of three days per week, including weekends, some nights, and some holidays. Normal shifts are 9:00AM – 5:30PM with variable night shifts.
• Bilingual is a plus.

• Education: High School Diploma/Equivalent 
• License: A valid Driver’s license/State ID and second form of valid identification is required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances.
• Wages: $8.00-$12.00 per hour depending on experience and qualifications