DescriptionJoin the Santa Ana Zoo and work with: a variety of animals, a friendly animal care team, and supportive management in a diverse city environment. As a growing zoo with big changes on the horizon, we are looking for animal care professionals with a passion for wellbeing, training, and enrichment. Experience with aquatic mammals, reptiles, and birds welcome.
Performs semi-skilled manual work of a specialized nature in the direct handling, care, and feeding of zoo animals; assists in the maintenance and minor repair of zoo facilities.
Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To - Performs routine food preparation and feeding functions in accordance with established diets and schedules.
- Handles animals, including those of a delicate and/or hazardous nature.
- Observes the movement and well-being of assigned animal population.
- Assists in the care and medical treatment of injured and sick zoo animals.
- Cleans and disinfects habitats, houses, food, and water containers, and related facilities and equipment.
- Inspects assigned facilities, grounds, and equipment.
- Performs light maintenance and repair work, such as raking and sweeping leaves and debris from walkways and viewing areas, emptying waste receptacles, and setting up, modifying, moving, and dismantling animal exhibits.
- Assists in protecting zoo animals, facilities, and equipment from mistreatment, vandalism, and theft.
- Explains zoo regulations and answers questions from the public.
- Keeps routine records and prepares basic reports, including schedules.
- Assists in retrieving escaped animals and protecting the public in such instances.
- May operate various vehicles.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications One (1) year of experience in the care of zoo animals involving some experience working with the public. College level courses in biology, zoology, or other related subject may be used in combination with experience to meet the minimum requirements. Minimum qualifications may be met via an equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions. Experience and education must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: Animal behavior and care; animal behavioral husbandry; animal welfare; feeding and nutrition; safe practices in the handling of domestic and exotic animals; maintenance and repair of zoo facilities, grounds, equipment, and life support systems; elementary animal first aid; zoonotic diseases and prevention practices; common varieties of exotic and domestic animals found in zoo environments; and industry standard recordkeeping practices.
Ability to: Perform routine animal husbandry, zoo keeping, and other maintenance work which may require manual work, physical strength, and stamina; withstand unpleasant working conditions associated with the care, feeding, and handling of animals, and the cleaning of living areas of zoo animals; understand and follow oral and written instructions, including food preparation formulas, feeding schedules, and medical treatments/prescriptions; understand and apply safety precautions pertaining to the feeding and handling of zoo population; and deal tactfully and effectively with the general public, supervisors, and co-workers.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession and retention of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License is a condition of continued employment in this job classification.
Must be willing and able to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
WORKING CONDITIONS Environmental Conditions: Work is generally performed in standard office, field, and healthcare clinical settings. Occasional travel to different sites is required. Works on various types of surfaces, including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Works with animals, including potentially dangerous animals. Extensive public contact. Incumbents are exposed to airborne particles, biohazards, chemicals, excessive heat/cold, fumes, gases, noisy conditions, pesticides, radiation, toxic agents, variable weather conditions, and zoonotic diseases.
Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in office, field, and healthcare clinical settings; operate vehicles; operate hand tools; climb stairs and ladders; occasionally kneel, sit, run, jump, climb, crawl, and lie down; frequently reach, bend, stoop, crouch, squat, twist, stand, and walk; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including the use of a computer keyboard and/or hand tools; utilize smell, sight, hearing, speaking, reading, writing, and math ability to exchange information; and lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds.
Selection ProcessAll applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form and answer the supplemental questionnaire online. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City online application.
Click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.
Applications and answers to the supplemental questionnaire will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and hiring department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to appear for the following:
Oral Interview Examination : (Tentatively Scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, 2024) (Weight of 100%) Will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score of 70% in order to be placed on the eligible list.
The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.
Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!
Summary of Benefits (under SEIU)
NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.
Closing Date/Time: 8/8/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
