| Location | Apple Valley, MN |
| Salary | $26.88–$35.79 Per Hour |
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The Zoo encompasses a 485-acre campus and is home to nearly 5,000 animals with about 1.5 million guests visiting annually. The Zoo is a coordinator of international conservation and breeding programs and is the State's largest environmental educator. The Zoo's conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems and its education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout our region, and around the world.
Job Details
Working Title: Tropics/Carnivore Animal Care Technician 3
Job Class: Zoo Keeper
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden
The work youll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
This position provides animal and habitat care and maintenance so that healthy, well-adjusted animals, and attractive, instructive exhibits are presented to guests of the Minnesota Zoo in a manner that supports the Zoo's mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The incumbent ensures appropriate welfare of the animals. The incumbent operates fleet vehicles to move around the Zoo campus.
This position supports operations across a large campus environment and requires the employee to travel between multiple buildings and work sites located throughout the campus to perform assigned duties and respond to operational needs. The incumbent must be able to travel between campus locations in a timely and reliable manner to carry out essential job functions. When job duties require the operation of a motor vehicle to access work sites, transport equipment, or respond to service needs, the employee must be able to safely operate a vehicle and possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license. his position may also need to travel offsite to support professional development and zoo projects.
Duties include but are not limited to:
Perform animal husbandry procedures as established so that the highest level of animal health and exhibition are maintained.
Perform maintenance and general cleaning of habitats and work areas as assigned so that a neat and clean appearance and pleasant and safe experience are provided for all guests.
Prepare, present, and participate in interpretive programs for Zoo guests, staff, and/or volunteers so that staff and guests receive accurate information on the biology, natural history, and conservation of the species in an educational and entertaining manner.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.
Three (3) years of experience as a full-time Zookeeper at a zoo or aquarium; OR Three (3) years of experience working in a veterinary hospital involving direct animal care and maintenance. Experience must be within the last ten (10) years and include all of the following:
Experience working with a variety of taxa including invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals
Experience working with primates and/or large carnivores
Observation of animal behaviors
Preparation and feeding of animal diets
Preparation and maintenance of detailed animal records
Maintenance of sanitary animals living conditions
Training animals using operant conditioning with positive reinforcement; experience training advanced show and husbandry behaviors
Creating goal-based enrichment items
Customer service skills sufficient to work with co-workers and guests courteously and respectfully.
Ability to interpret technical literature that relates to the health and management of animals.
Demonstrated ability to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity.
Unrestricted Class D Drivers license with a clear driving record. On campus travel, may include some off-site travel. Less than 5% offsite.
Preferred Qualifications
College degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education, Ecology or closely related field.
Experience working with and caring for animals at an AZA accredited Zoo or aquarium including preparing diets, feeding animals, maintaining sanitary animal living conditions, observing animal behavior, and maintaining animal records.
Experience interpreting animal behavior and providing species specific information to guests.
Open water SCUBA certification or equivalent.
Current CPR and 1st AID certification.
Ability to work as a firearms team member.
Physical Requirements
Current rabies vaccination and negative TB or ability to become Rabies vaccinated and complete a negative TB test within the probationary period and complete ongoing Rabies titer testing. The MN Zoo will cover the cost of your vaccines if you schedule your appointment through our occupational health clinic, upon hire.
Exposure to some zoonotic diseases and potent immobilization agents/drugs for treatment of animals
Exposure to a wide variety of pesticides and potentially dangerous equipment and machinery on a regular basis
Ability to differentiate colors
Ability to routinely work with potentially dangerous domestic animals
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year round
Ability to negotiate all types of terrain
Ability to use hand/finger coordination to manipulate items and operate hand and/or power tools
Ability to lift, carry and/or move up to 50 pounds
Ability to lift and move large objects as a team over uneven terrain
Ability to push/pull up to 90 pounds
Ability to shovel to clean animal areas and work areas
Ability to bend and crouch occasionally throughout the day
Ability to climb stairs and ladders occasionally throughout the day
Ability to tolerate loud noises regularly throughout the day
Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time throughout the day
Ability to wear N95 face masks/respirators
Ability to grip 34 pounds to operate power washer intermittently for up to 60 minutes
Additional Requirements
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check including fingerprinting
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
Application Details
How to Apply
Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Please be aware that emails from state email addresses may end up in your spam folder. To ensure these emails reach your inbox, add @state.mn.us to your safe sender list or check your spam folder.
State of Minnesota is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
Veteran's Preference:
In order to be considered an eligible candidate for Veterans Preference, apply online and email your valid DD-214 form along with the Job ID# and Position Title by the closing date to cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us, or mail to Cyndee Robinson, MN Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124.
For technical application assistance, please contact MMB Careers.
If you have questions please visit the page of Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Cyndee Robinson at cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Cyndee Robinson at cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us.
About Minnesota Zoological Garden
Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesotas State employees have in common?
Benefits
As an employee, youll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
Paid vacation and sick leave
12 paid holidays each year
Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
Fertility care, including IVF
Diabetes care
Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.