PRIMARY FUNCTION: This position is responsible for day to day animal care including feeding, cleaning, habitat maintenance, record keeping, animal enrichment and training.

REPORTS TO: Director, Oatland Island Wildlife Center

SALARY SCHEDULE: G-8

WORK DAYS: 250

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Education Level: Associate’s degree or equivalent coursework in animal science or related field

2. Experience, Skill, and Certification: 

• At least 2 years basic animal husbandry experience
• Proven ability to work well with others
• Experience with word processing and other software, including data entry skills
• Sufficient oral communication skills to give educational information to visitors, including children
• Able to read and comprehend animal diets, instructions, and other printed information

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Provides daily care for the animal collection at Oatland Island including diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, and habitat maintenance.
2. Collects and records animal information such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake. Observes animals to detect illnesses and injuries and notifies Veterinarian of findings.
3. Provides veterinary technician services for staff Veterinary during surgeries, xrays and other procedures.
4. Medicates animals and keeps records of animal medications under the guidance of the Veterinarian.
5. Transfers animals from one enclosure to another for purposes such as breeding, giving birth, rearrangement of exhibits, or illness.
6. Orders, unloads, stores and organizes food supply for the animals.
7. Installs, maintains and repairs animal care equipment such as heat lamps, aquarium pumps, and misters.
8. Researches and creates enrichment for Oatland’s animal collection.
9. Coordinates and trains high school and college-level interns.
10. Assisting with the development, fundraising, and special event planning as needed when the animal collection is involved.
11. Develops and executes operant conditioning program for Oatland’s animal collection.
12. Observes visitor behavior during daily operations to ensure the safety of humans and animals.
13. Keeps visitors and members informed about the animals’ activities and special events through social media.
14. Answers questions from the public in person and through social media.
15. Writes articles about the animals for the quarterly newsletter.
16. Works with contractors that provide services around animal enclosures.
17. Drives and performs routine maintenance on John Deere utility vehicles.
18. Assisting in improving and executing emergency response protocols.
19. Assists in the construction of new exhibits.
20. Provides instruction to visitors in selected education programs.
21. Performs other duties as assigned the Director of Oatland Island.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Incumbents are considered “at will.” Appropriate pay will be determined based on the Grade as determined by Human Resources and allowable experience. This is a 250 day position. (G-8) Non-exempt, maintenance. PSERS Retirement System.

NON-ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

A responsibility is considered to be “non-essential” (for the purposes of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) if:

• it is shared between multiple incumbents in the job; or
• it could be performed by an employee in another job within the workgroup.

Note the responsibility number from the list in the “Duties and Responsibilities” section for those responsibilities that could be considered “non-essential” based on this definition.

Certain limited aspects of General Duties and Responsibilities items referenced in Section 1 (b) and (d) might be considered “non-essential” in a specific situation. Any request for accommodation must be reviewed on an “individual case” basis.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS

Most jobs in the District have physical and sensory demands that can be described by one of the two categories noted below. For jobs that require more physical or sensory effort, please list the requirements in this section. The category applicable for this position is listed below.

OFFICE   Employees in this category are normally exposed to a typical environment. The employee has some control over the length of time sitting, standing, or ambulating. There are occasions that require the lifting or pulling of equipment or supplies, as well as bending, stooping, or stretching. There is frequent use of computers, telephone, and other standard office equipment, which includes reading, listening, writing, or speaking. There are few exceptional physical or sensory demands.

EXCEPTIONAL PHYSICAL OR SENSORY DEMANDS

(Check any that apply to this job and complete the required information.)

[ X ] Heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds

[ ] Frequent climbing up to _______ feet, and/or working on building roofs.

[ ] Exposure to heavy dust, dirt, chemical or paint fumes, or other airborne matter.

[ ] Exposure to extreme heat, electric current, hazardous chemicals or other potential hazards.

[ ] Sitting or standing for extended periods with no control over rest periods.

[ X ] Other - Has regular contact with potentially dangerous animals. Must be willing and able to operate lethal firearms in the event of a dangerous animal escape. Will be exposed to outdoor conditions including heat and cold, rain, biting insects and humidity, strong odors, dust, hay and animal fur/dander