General Description:

At ZooMontana, Relief Caretakers carry out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, grooming, and observing animals. Level 1 Relief caretakers provide support for the Zoo Barn, Wetlands and Education/Outreach animals. Level 2 Relief caretakers provide support for our North America and Asia animal. This role also administers medication and treatment as directed, provides training and enrichment, and participates in education and conservation programs.

Essential Functions:

• Observes and evaluates animal condition, behavior and responses and communicates observations orally and on written reports
• Prepares and feeds appropriate diets, noting conformance of foods provided to diets prescribed for each animal.
• Administers prescribed medications and dietary supplements and monitor food and medicine consumption.
• Checks on integrity of enclosures and structures, ensuring safety and welfare of animals, zoo visitors, and staff in accordance with established guidelines.
• Maintains live plants within enclosures ensuring neat, attractive exhibits.
• Performs minor repairs and preventative maintenance as necessary.
• Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.
• Improves the quality of life of the animal collection by providing environmental and behavioral enrichment opportunities.
• Trains selected animals through operant conditioning for purposes of gaining cooperation for veterinary treatment and/or public demonstrations.
• Installs exhibit furnishings, props, and decorations safely, attractively and in a manner consistent with zoo guidelines.
• Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Must be able to work on weekends, holidays, and flexible hours as well as various evening hours.
• Maintain clean driving record for safe operation of service vehicles and possess and maintain a state of Montana driver’s license.
• Must have excellent interpretation skills, be comfortable with public speaking and be able to improvise when needed.
• Must be able to work with animals, adults and children of various backgrounds.
• Must possess a high school diploma. A bachelor’s degree in a life science or education is preferred.
• Must be able stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to withstand typical Montana climate

Experience:

Five years of experience within animal care is preferred.  Previous experience working with farm/ranch animals, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and aquarium systems preferred.  Strong public speaking skills and ability to improvise are very important. Strong team player skills, the ability to work independently and a strong initiative are a must.

Skills:

Knowledge in operant conditioning, implementation of animal training and enrichment programs is preferential. The successful candidate for this position is motivated, energetic and a team oriented individual with good problem solving, written and oral communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.  In addition, this job requires the ability to work independently, and as a team member with a willingness to learn.

ZooMontana:

We are proud to be an AZA accredited zoological/botanical garden, accredited arboretum and educational facility dedicated to the conservation of wildlife throughout Montana and the 45th parallel of earth, caring for more than 80 animals of 56 different species. ZooMontana is dedicated to the mantra “quality over quantity,” meaning the focus is not on how many animals the Zoo has, but how well those here are cared for.  At ZooMontana, an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible space is one where all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, social class, ability, beliefs, and life experiences feel valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all our departments, programs, and spaces. We respect diverse life experiences, natural histories, and backgrounds and will ensure that all life is valued.