Zookeeper- Birds

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo inspires wonder of our natural world, provides an engaging learning environment, and instills a passion for conservation. Serving the central San Joaquin Valley, the Zoo is committed to sustaining professional active participation in wildlife conservation, research and education. A proud recipient of the AZA Top Honor Exhibit Award, the Zoo is committed to providing our local communities and the AZA community exhibits and programs both can be proud of.

November 4th, 2014 marked an important day for Fresno County as its residents voted to continue to financially support the Zoo through the approval of Measure Z. This measure provides Fresno Chaffee Zoo with financial security that empowers it to continue to offer incredible experiences for guests while providing excellent animal care, and a challenging yet fulfilling working environment.

Our newest exhibit, African Adventure, has resulted in over 1,000,000 visitors since opening in October of 2015. This spectacular mixed species exhibit allows our guests to experience the savannahs of Africa including a panoramic view of multiple savannahs and a beautiful African Lodge.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo is searching for a knowledgeable, outgoing and guest-oriented Zookeeper. This position is full-time, regular, and benefited. The Zookeeper must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays. Our employees’ positive interactions with guests create the unforgettable guest experiences that keep patrons coming back.

Zookeeper Birds–Fresno Chaffee Zoo is currently planning for new aviaries and also updating existing ones, such as our Rainforest exhibit. Over the next several years, the bird department will be involved in helping to plan for new Asia exhibits, including possible passerine song birds as well as a new aviary for our Rhinoceros Hornbills. Zookeepers are involved in the planning stages for a new bird holding area for off-exhibit breeding as well as mixed species aviaries in our Africa Adventure area. We currently have over 160 birds as well as mammals and reptiles in the bird department, which includes two walk-through aviaries. In addition to the daily care of the animals, we also have a bird propagation center where we do our incubating and hand-rearing. We are involved in the Guam rail project which releases non-imprinted birds back into the wild and we are looking for a motivated individual to join our bird team!

Under the general direction of the Curator, this position is responsible for the daily care, feeding and enrichment of animals in the assigned collection or section. Duties include maintaining cleanliness of animal enclosures and ensuring that Zoo policies and protocols are followed consistently. This position will regularly interact with Zoo guests to answer questions, provide animal information, and ensure an excellent guest experience.

This position will primarily be assigned to a specific area, but may be reassigned or requested to work in other sections as needed at the discretion of the Animal Management team.

Responsibilities

The zookeeper prepares and administers appropriate daily diets at designated times; sees that animals have sufficient water that is refreshed regularly throughout each day. This position implements effective behavioral enrichment for selected animals and establishes a through written routine for assigned section. Actively observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address observed behaviors. The zookeeper is responsible for accurate feeding, health, and welfare records of assigned animals. Thoroughly cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures, and ensures cleanliness throughout the day. Maintains adequate stock of all section supplies, and reports low inventory levels manager in a timely manner. Exercise good judgement when making decisions that affect our collection. Effectively trains animals in designated section according to zoo policies and procedures. Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section. Also, assist the Emergency Response team in animal events. Watch for and immediately report any vandalism and/or animal welfare issues. Effectively crate and moves animals as directed, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals. Performs special assignments and projects as requested, and assists with other shifts as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Minimum of one year in the care, handling and feeding of animals in a zoological or aquarium setting is preferred. A Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from an accredited college or university; and one year related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. Twelve units of accredited college or university level course work in animal science, zoology, biology, wildlife management, or related field may be substituted for six (6) months experience. Experience in an AZA facility is preferred. Requires a valid California driver’s license and good driving record. Good written and verbal communications skills are essential. Must be able to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Good physical condition: ability to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. (i.e. feed sack) and move a minimum of 100 lbs. (i.e. hay bale). While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Vision capabilities required include close, distance and peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Evaluating animal health, diet, or environment requires hearing and smell. Interaction with guests and animals requires talking and hearing. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather) and outdoor weather conditions. The employee is occasionally in direct contact with exotic animals and is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places. The noise level in the work environment varies. Occasional loud noises from visitors, animals or equipment are experienced.

If you have the desire and skills needed to help create an all-around dynamic experience at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, and are interested in putting your talents to work, then we are asking you to apply by September 10, 2017 as directed below.

Please submit resume to [email protected] or mail to: Fresno Chaffee Zoo Corporation, 894 W Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA 93728. Applicants can visit www.fresnochaffeezoo.org to apply online. Fresno Chaffee Zoo is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer