Animal Technician

General Summary: The Animal Technician performs animal husbandry which includes feeding animals and cleaning animal facilities.

Requirements and Job Specifications

Education Required: High School Diploma or equivalent

License(s) Required: Valid LA driver's license in good standing. Must be able to obtain a LA driver's license within 60 days of hire.

Years of Relevant Work Experience: 1 year experience in animal care. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of animal care and basic husbandry skills
• Knowledge of techniques to work with dangerous wild and exotic animals in a controlled environment
• Ability to explicitly follow instructions.
• Ability to recognize abnormal behavior / physical condition of animals.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to work in close proximity to dangerous animals.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot or inclement weather
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, other employees, volunteers, and zoo guests.

Essential Functions and Duties:

• Feeds and handles animals and cleans the exhibits.
• Assures security.
• Recognizes and reports abnormal behavior or physical condition of animals.
• Unloads feed trucks.
• Keeps grounds free of litter.
• Interacts with public.
• Performs oral and written reports.
• Provides enrichment and maintains exhibit furniture.

Secondary Job Duties

• Assists veterinarians.
• Performs public relation duties.

Supplemental Information

Full-time position; schedules vary, within the framework of 8 hours/5 days per week, lunch break daily; Overtime as required.  Must be able to work holidays and weekends, irregular hours and weekends as required.