JOB CLASS TITLE: Zookeeper |
POSITION NUMBER: 60033444 |
DEPARTMENT: Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources |
DIVISION/SECTION: NC Zoo |
RECRUITMENT RANGE: $31,200 - $42,508 |
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent Full-Time |
WORK LOCATION: Randolph County |
CLOSING DATE: 03/20/23 5:00 PM Eastern Time |
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DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
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***Pay Grade NC05 - Recruitment Range - $31,200 - $42,508***
*****Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider.*****
Learn about the NC ZOO: https://www.nczoo.org
Learn about employee perks/benefits: https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits
Primary Purpose of this Position:
The North Carolina Zoo (NCZ) is seeking an enthusiastic team member to be part of its Northwoods and Prairie work unit. The collection consists of a variety of Black Bear, Grizzly Bear, Elk, Bison and American Red Wolf. Responsibilities include the daily assessment and care of these species both on-habitat and off-habitat animal areas.
Responsibilities and daily duties include:
- Heavy lifting of hay, grain, manure, substrates, etc; heavy duty cleaning and scrubbing is a routine occurrence.
- Systematic observation of animal health and behavior. Participation in a behavior focused program that utilizes trust based relationships, animal choice and control, and positive reinforcement operant conditioning to work cooperatively with the assigned animals to provide optimal care.
- Development and implementation of a holistic behavioral management program which utilizes training, enrichment, variability, and research to provide a dynamic environment where optimal welfare.
- Thorough and accurate written records for computer databases.
- Actively participating in team problem solving and decision making processes.
- Participates in NC Zoo programs, to include: behavioral management, enrichment and Environmental Management System (EMS) programs.
- May be assigned to work with other animal species in other work units as needed.
- Interaction with zoo visitors in formal and informal settings.
Job Requirements:
- Must be able to work a rotating schedule that involves working weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts.
- Position is considered "Essential/Mandatory Staff" requiring work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
- Must be able to capture, handle and restrain live exotic and potentially dangerous animals and use associated capture equipment.
- Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program due to potential exposure to zoonosis.
- Must have good physical agility, strength, vision, and hearing, and the ability to perform strenuous physical work in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments. Such as walk, stand, see animals and habitats for observation and safety as well as hear animal's sounds, radio communication and emergency situations.
- Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 lbs.
- Must have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid NC driver's license.
Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit:
The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of all of North Carolina's citizens and visitors to the zoo. The mission of the zoo is to encourage the understanding of and commitment to the conservation of the world's wildlife and wild places through the recognition of the interdependence of people and nature. The Zoo displays, conserves and protects representative examples of natural beauty, plant and animal species and ecological features of the North American and African regions of the world through the presentation of live animal exhibits from these regions.
Department Information:
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina, literally from A to Z. The Arts to the Zoo, and so much else – parks, aquariums, historic sites, archaeology, African American Heritage Commission, science and history museums, the state Symphony, Library, and Archives, historic preservation, land, and water stewardship, and more. These places, and the ideas they represent, create a shared identity in North Carolina. They provide common ground. Everyone is welcome. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Our goal is to promote equity and inclusion among our employees and our programming to reflect and celebrate our state's diverse population, culture, and history. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team. Visit: DNCR |
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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES:
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**To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.**
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Demonstrated hands-on animal care experience with hoofstock, bears and/or wolves, using safe practices and protocols and gained from working at an accredited zoo, sanctuary setting or related facility to include the following:
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Positive reinforcement based operant conditioning
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Environmental enrichment
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Observing and understanding the complexities of animal behavior, including individual animals and larger social context
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Demonstrated experience of animal husbandry to include thorough working knowledge of biology, including animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior and safe practices around animals gained from working at an accredited zoo, sanctuary setting or related facility.
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Demonstrated experience with record-keeping.
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Demonstrated experience using computers and MS Office.
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Proven communication skills to include visitor interactions, public speaking, reporting and/or team interactions.
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MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
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Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, natural sciences, or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of experience working in a zoo-based or related animal care facility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
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SUPPLEMENTAL AND CONTACT INFORMATION:
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The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation or political influence.
Please be sure to complete the application in full. Resumes may be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit. "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted.
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application.
To obtain veterans preference, you must scan and upload a copy of your DD-214 or discharge orders.
Technical issues submitting your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627.
Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax. Please call the human resources office for assistance.
If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take an average of 6 – 8 weeks.
It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).
CONTACT INFORMATION:
N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Division of Human Resources
4603 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4603
Phone: 919-814-6670
Please visit our website at www.nczoo.org for more information regarding our facility.
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