Reptile Keeper
Full time @Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo Shortlist Email JobJob Detail
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Job ID 3291
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Experience 2 Years
Job Description
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented candidate to join our dynamic reptile team, working with a wide variety of herpetological species, including a large number of venomous snakes and crocodilians; previous experience with these is preferred, but not required. Other animals will include non-venomous snakes, lizards, turtles/tortoises, and amphibians. This position is responsible for the daily care, maintenance and observation of the assigned animal collection and associated facilities. The ideal candidate will have proven experience presenting to crowds and will be comfortable on a mic. Guest interaction, including shows and guest experiences, may be up to 50% of each day. This position requires an individual with a high degree of professional experience who takes pride in work well done. The ideal candidate will be a proven leader, team player, and positive coworker . The priorities for this position include attention to animal care and health, fostering a positive team environment, and accomplishing an excellent guest experience through shows, encounters, and informal interactions.
This position is ideally for an experienced reptile keeper with supervisory experience. This position has the potential to be promoted to a lead keeper position.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Providing general husbandry for a wide range of animals through cleaning, diet preparation and distribution, watering, observing, enclosure upkeep, propagation, monitoring health, and medicating under veterinary supervision
- Maintains animal habitats through regular maintenance, landscaping, oversight of life support systems including lighting, filtration, heating, and AC units, and care of living plants
- Data collection and input into the animal records databases; assuring that appropriate records are kept on all husbandry including daily care and animal health
- Exceptional use of time management techniques
- Keeping all on- and off- exhibit areas clean, neat, and organized
- Demonstrating a positive attitude and willingness to adopt a general philosophy/outlook in line with the Zoo’s mission
- Understanding the significance of their role and how they can positively impact visitors; proactive, friendly communication will be expected at all times, as well as anticipating visitors’ needs and desires
- Presenting various species to visitors in shows and private encounters both on mic/speaker systems and one-one-one
- Take direction from the Reptile Curator and perform daily husbandry duties, tasks, and non-routine assignments within the work day
- Work collaboratively with other zoo staff and departments to accomplish zoo initiatives
- Inspect enclosures, tanks, fencing, pools, furniture and public areas for cleanliness and/or structural defects and to perform minor repairs and maintenance as needed
- Using email, Google Drive and related programs, and digital task management systems on a daily basis
- Performing other related duties as assigned
EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES
The position requires knowledge of herpetology, including husbandry and exhibitory techniques, nutritional requirements, behavior, common diseases, capture and restraint and propagation methods. The successful candidate will need to maintain and develop a broad knowledge base on the proper husbandry of reptiles and the other animals in the collection. Candidates should have a proven record of animal care. Candidates will need to have good communication skills, be able to follow specific instructions, and communicate activities and observations clearly in writing and verbally. Applicants must be able to present to small and large crowds and work well with large groups of children. Physical requirements include working outdoors in any weather, lifting 50 pounds, and repetitive work such as raking and shoveling. Candidates must be comfortable using power tools and be proficient in construction and exhibit design.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a full time position that involves working on weekends and holidays. Compensation commensurate with experience.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply please send your resume and cover letter to samanthaw@hczoo.com
ABOUT THE ZOO
Located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country of New Braunfels, Texas, Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo is between the bustling and vibrant cities of San Antonio and Austin. New Braunfels is a fast growing area known for its warm spring-fed rivers and historic areas. The Zoo has been renovating and expanding, and is currently working on primate upgrades and new restroom facilities.
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is proud to house over 100 species of reptiles, including rare and endangered species. The reptile department has received several professional accolades, including for exhibit design and breeding.