Temporary Houston Toad Keeper

Summary:  
This position will assist keepers in the care of a variety of Ectotherms within the Zoo; maintenance of the Ectotherms areas and life support systems; and train in herpetological, aquatic animal and invertebrate husbandry. Positions at this level are expected to perform under the immediate supervision of Collections Department staff. This position is for 400 hours of work generally 20-40 hours per week. 
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assist in feeding and watering animals in and around existing quarters; clean, sanitize, maintain, and repair animal quarters as required; shovel, rake, hose, sweep, dust, and mop floors
• Assist keeper staff in preparation of diets for animals carrying out animal diet directives from the Nutritional Services Department; clean and maintain work area and food storage containers
• Assist in properly maintaining exhibits, animal facilities, equipment and life support systems (as apply) as trained for specific positions
• Participate in educational presentations to the public, including keeper chats, Touch Tank and MOLA Hub
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner
• Maintain adequate records on daily activities; assist in observing animal behavior for signs of illness, weight loss/gain or injury; report any signs of illness or injury
• Support veterinarians in minor operations or related activity, administer prescribed medications, submit fecal samples and other duties as needed
• Assist keeper staff in guiding animals through daily routines per established training schedules and guidelines as directed
• Assist keeper staff in the zoo-wide behavioral management program by presenting approved animal training and enrichment projects
• Assist in feeding live prey and or euthanize some prey items as related to the requirements of specific taxa
• Monitor the collection observing animal behavior for signs of illness, weight loss/gain or injury, notifying supervisors of all concerns
• Participate in departmental research and conservation projects as assigned
 
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Demonstrate knowledge of reptile, amphibian, aquatic animal, and/or invertebrate husbandry and taxonomy
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability
Must possess ability to:
• Work independently in the absence of immediate supervision
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships 
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities 
 
Education and/or Experience:
• High School diploma or equivalent 
• Compensation will be experience dependent
• Prior ectothermic taxa husbandry or research experience is preferred, but not required
 
Physical Demands: 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or or move up to 50 pounds.
 
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Public interaction
• Team oriented environment
• Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends)
• Exposure to a variety of domestic and wild or potentially dangerous animals; animal odors and animal body fluids
• Exposure to all types of inclement weather conditions
• Exposure to chemicals (cleaning, water chemicals, additives, etc.)
• Ability to work special events and functions as required
• This position may be safety sensitive
• This position may work around animals susceptible to specific diseases, thus may be subject to regular tuberculosis and rabies titer testing, and the routine use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks

Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. 
 
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
 
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.