Zoo Heritage Farm Attendant (Seasonal)

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Heritage Farm Attendant

Department: Zoo
Seasonal, Hourly

Hourly Pay Rate - $17.62/hr

Job Summary - The Seasonal Heritage Farm Attendant role maintains and enhances the welfare of the Zoo’s Family Farm animal population in accordance with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) advanced standards for professional animal care. Responsible for the daily care of domestic and ambassador animals, their enclosures, surroundings and support facilities. Daily reporting of assigned areas and specimens, public engagement and education, and animal conservation and research. Incumbents must have a strong foundation in animal husbandry and a commitment to positive, collaborative team relationships.

Work Schedule: Employee must have availability to work days, evenings, and nights as needed.

Job Responsibilities

• Animal Care & Health - Provide the daily care to maintain and enhance the welfare of the Zoo’s Family Farm population of domestic and ambassador animals. Order, prepare and present approved diets. Observe, evaluate, record and report animal activities, behavior and physical condition with consideration of patterns and natural history. Ensure the tidiness, hygiene, and maintenance of animal enclosures. Collaborate with veterinary team to promote animal health and nutrition. Train, manually restrain, capture and/or transport animals to facilitate medical procedures. Administer approved medications and treatments as prescribed.
• Behavioral Husbandry & Welfare - Facilitate and participate in animal training and enrichment programs in alignment with established targets for species behavior and wellbeing. Perform welfare assessments for assigned animal population in accordance with established standards.
• Facilities Management - Ensure the tidiness, hygiene, and maintenance of service areas and surroundings. Operate and maintain animal life-support systems and environmental controls. Identify and report maintenance and pest control needs.
• Public Engagement - Proactively engage with volunteers and visitors to enhance their experience. Conduct formal and informal public presentations, including animal care, natural history, conservation and research. Assist in the training of educators, tour guides and volunteers. Maintain positive, collaborative relationships with maintenance, grounds, creative, and all other Zoo departments.
• Administration & Records - Report and maintain records, (e.g., animal feeding habits, diets, breeding behavior, health status, physical conditions, enrichment and training). Complete and maintain copies of work orders and other records regarding the operation and use of the animal area facilities.
• Professional Collaboration - Establish positive rapport within mission-parallel professional organizations, participating in associated conferences and training opportunities. Collaborate with other zoos, researchers, and wildlife organizations to advance the Zoo’s mission and animal programs. 
• Other Duties as Assigned - Conduct other duties as assigned. Examples include but are not limited to: serve on animal emergency response team, provide backup coverage for animal commissary operations, support security and safety programs, serve on committees and parallel teams.
• Ability to safely and properly operate: vans, pickup trucks, golf carts, bicycles, hand tools, power tools, laboratory equipment, computers and general office equipment
• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds; ability to push and pull up to 25 pounds.

Required Education, License/Certification and Experience 

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• At least Six (6) months of experience in animal care in a Zoo, working farm or comparable professional setting required
• Basic knowledge all related computer and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, etc.) required
• Lift and Carry 75 lbs.
• Push and Pull 25 lbs.

Preferred Education, License/Certification and Experience

• Previous work experience utilizing Zoological Information Management Systems (ZIMS) preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License preferred
• Associate degree or higher preferred

Note: This Original Examination is open to all qualified applicants authorized to work in the United States. In accordance with Rule III section 11 of the Civil Service Rules a non-competitive examination will be held for this position. The non-competitive examination will consist of a review of candidate materials, education, and related experience. APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING AN APPLICATION.

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.