Zookeeper

Introduction

This examination is being given to fill 1 vacancy in the Parks and Recreation department and to establish an eligible list to fill future vacancies. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline.

NOTE : All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail.

Pre-Employment Background, Physical, DOJ Live Scan

and Drug Screen : Potential new

hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination, DOJ Live

Scan, a pre-employment background investigation and a pre-employment drug

screen as a condition of employment. Final appointment cannot be made unless

the eligible has successfully completed the physical, DOJ Live Scan, background process and

passed the drug screen. The County pays for the initial drug screen and physical.

The following incentives and bonuses may be  available for eligible new hires . Incentives and bonuses are subject to approval by Human Resources :

• Vacation Accrual Rate : San Joaquin County vacation accrual rate consistent with the candidate's total years of public service.
• Sick Leave : Candidates leaving other employment may receive credit for actual non-reimbursable sick leave hours (up to 160 hours) from their last agency. Hours shall be subject to San Joaquin County's minimum sick leave cash out provisions.
• New Hire Retention Bonus :

$2,000  upon completion of first year equivalent employment (2,080 hours)

$1,000  upon completion of third year equivalent employment (6,240 hours)

$3,000  upon completion of sixth year equivalent employment (12,480 hours)

TYPICAL DUTIES

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education : Successful completion of 60 semester or equivalent quarter units from an accredited college or university, including 18 units of coursework in any combination of the following : biology, zoology, wildlife management, wildlife ecology, animal behavior, or a closely related field. Experience : One year paid or unpaid experience caring for zoo animals and / or exotic species in a zoo or similar setting. Substitution : Additional qualifying experience caring for zoo animals and / or exotic species in a zoo or similar setting may be substituted for education on a year for year basis. Note : Unpaid hours such as those obtained through volunteerism or internships will be accepted only if : 1) the experience is documented on letterhead from the organization where it was obtained; and 2) the documentation includes dates, number of hours worked and duties performed (2,080 hours is equivalent to one year full-time experience). AND

Special requirements : 1) Upon job offer, incumbents must successfully pass a tuberculosis test and maintain a negative tuberculosis test for duration of employment; 2) receive inoculation for rabies within six months of employment.

Certifications : 1) Obtain First Aid / CPR certificate within six month of employment; and 2) obtain firearm safety training certificate within six months of employment. License : Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE

Basic principles of biology and zoology, including animal identification and natural history, taxonomy, physiology, behavior, nutrition; animal enrichment practices; principles of ecology and population management; basic husbandry principles, including safe food handling and storage and pest control; knowledge of research methods; zoo animal preventative medicine principles and practices; general veterinary terminology and equipment; symptoms of animal illness; basic first aid; basic sanitation, tools and practices; kinds and uses of basic cleaning materials and equipment; exhibit and grounds maintenance and repairs; zoo practices and procedures; safety procedures, including accident prevention and response; hazards of working with wild animals, including restraint practices; basic computer and modern office automation technology, including pertinent software.

ABILITY

Identify changes in animal behavior or physical condition; follow oral and written directions; interpret and apply zoo regulations and procedures; physically handle and / or restrain wild animals, including safe use of darting equipment or firearm; work safely and effectively with wild, delicate and potentially dangerous animals; perform basic mathematical calculations and make accurate measurements; operate a variety of related tools and machinery for exhibits and / or maintenance; operate variety of motorized vehicles; operate computers and related software; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers and the public.

PHYSICAL / MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility – Operation of a data entry device, constant walking and standing for long periods, pushing / pulling, bending, squatting, crawling, driving; Lifting – Frequently 5-50 pounds; Vision – Good overall vision, color perception, depth perception; reading and close-up work; normal hand and eye coordination; good field of vision / peripheral; Dexterity – Normal dexterity and repetitive motion; Hearing / Talking – Frequent hearing and talking on the telephone / radio and in person; Special Requirements – Working weekends and holidays; may require overtime evening work; Emotional / Psychological – Frequent public contact and decision making; frequent concentration required; occasional exposure to dangerous situations, including trauma, grief and death; working alone; Environmental – Frequent exposure to noise, cold / heat, hazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, and varied weather conditions. San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.