GENERAL PURPOSE
This role is responsible for the daily care, feeding, enrichment, wellbeing, and training of animals within the Ambassador Animal department. The collection includes a wide variety of species, such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and small mammals including opossums, skunks, raccoons, tarantula, pythons, various lizards and tortoises, and more. This position will also assist with ambassador breeding programs for prehensile tailed porcupines, six-banded armadillos, and northern tree shrews. Additionally, the position covers animal husbandry, training, and presentations at the Valley Farm exhibit, which features various goat breeds. The ideal candidate will work closely with both the animals and the zoo’s guests, providing educational experiences (onsite classroom programs, zoo encounters, and shows) on and off grounds while maintaining high standards of animal care.
Under the supervision of the Zoological Animal Manager, this position is responsible for the daily well-being of animals in the assigned animal section. The Zoological Care Specialist is responsible for maintaining high standards of animal care while working in a team-oriented environment where collaboration and problem-solving are required to achieve Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo Corporation’s (FCZC) strategic goals, while providing excellent guest experience.
This position will primarily be assigned to a specific animal team but may be reassigned or requested to work in other sections as needed at the discretion of the Animal Management team.
We are pleased to offer this part time position an Employee Assistance Program, 401K, Paid CA Sick Time. The pay range for this position is $17.78 - $26.10 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate’s experience.
ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
ZCS:
- Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets at designated times; sees that animals have sufficient water that is refreshed regularly throughout each day.
- Implements effective behavioral enrichment for selected animals.
- Observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder, reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor.
- Maintains accurate feeding, health, and welfare records of assigned animals using Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, Teams), Species 360 (ZIMS), and TRACKS information systems.
- Thoroughly cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures and ensures cleanliness throughout the day. Maintains a neat, organized, and efficient working area to support productivity.
- Observes and assists Zoological Care Specialists with training animals in designated section.
- Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section, including medication preparation and administration.
- Assists the Emergency Response team in animal events.
- Watches for and immediately reports any vandalism, unsafe work conditions, or animal welfare concerns.
- Assists with the crating and moving of animals under the guidance of qualified Zoological Care Specialist 1, 2, or 3, unless approved by a manager, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.
- Completes daily tasks, projects, and goals within an assigned time frame while maintaining satisfactory standards.
- Adheres to organizational protocols, procedures, and policies.
- Utilizes computer, telephone, and radio systems to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities and offsite.
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals.
ZCS I:
- Observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address observed behaviors.
- Effectively trains animals within the animal care section on established behaviors only according to zoo policies and procedures. Training or reshaping behaviors done under direct guidance of Zoological Care Specialist 2 or 3.
- Participates in guest presentations in the form of animal chats or assisting with animal training demonstrations.
- Completes animal welfare assessments under direct guidance of Zoological Care Specialist 2 or 3 as assigned by manager in the allotted time frame and works with team to solve welfare concerns.
- Crates and moves animals as directed, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.
- Provides training and guidance under manager supervision to lower-tiered Zoological Care Specialists and volunteers assigned in the section.
- Adheres to organizational protocols, procedures, and policies while maintaining an open mind for continuous improvement to guidelines.
ZCS II:
- Observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address observed behaviors.
- Exercise good judgement when making choices that affect our animal population.
- Effectively trains animals within the animal care section according to zoo policies and procedures.
- Participates in guest presentations in the form of animal chats or animal training demonstrations.
- Proactively identifies potential risks and applies best practices to prevent incidents and promotes animal and workplace safety. Reports any unsafe work conditions to managers.
- Completes animal welfare assessments assigned by manager in the allotted time frame and works with team to solve welfare concerns.
- Crates and moves animals as directed, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.
- Provides training and guidance under manager supervision to lower-tired Zoological Care Specialists, and volunteers assigned in the section.
- Communicates effectively in high-pressure situations and resolves conflict through open communication and promoting understanding.
- Develops and maintains positive relationships with members of all departments, promoting a team environment that emphasizes uplifting and supporting coworkers.
- Adheres to organizational protocols, procedures, and policies while maintaining an open mind for continuous improvement to guidelines
ZCS III:
- Observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address observed behaviors.
- Writes protocols and routines for assigned section and updates standard operating procedures and other section protocols as assigned by Zoological Animal Manager
- Assists Zoological Animal Manager in planning and coordinating daily operations within the animal care section, uses initiative and self-motivation for various projects and ideas.
- Exercise good judgement when making choices that affect our animal population.
- Effectively trains animals within the animal care section according to zoo policies and procedures.
- Participate in guest presentations in the form of animal chats or animal training demonstrations.
- Assists the Emergency Response team in animal events, can be trained in Recapture Coordinator or Animal Risk Mitigation team roles.
- Proactively identifies potential risks and applies best practices to prevent incidents and promotes animal and workplace safety. Reports any unsafe work conditions to managers.
- Completes animal welfare assessments assigned by manager in the allotted time frame and works with team to solve welfare concerns.
- Crates and moves animals as directed, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals, including participation in animal transfers between zoological facilities.
- Provides guidance under manager supervision to lower-tired Zoological Care Specialists and volunteers assigned in the section.
- Communicates effectively in high-pressure situations and resolves conflict through open communication and promoting understanding
- Participates in constructive feedback to focus on continuous improvement while fostering a culture of growth and accountability while maintaining confidentiality
- Develops and maintains positive relationships with members of all departments, promoting a team environment that emphasizes uplifting and supporting coworkers.
- Adheres to organizational protocols, procedures, and policies while maintaining an open mind for continuous improvement to guidelines
EDUCATION AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS
ZCS
- High School diploma required
- Minimum of three (3) months of part-time (377 hours) paid animal experience in a zoological or animal facility preferred.
- Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public. Bilingual skills a plus.
• A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZC Drivers Training Program required. •
ZCS I:
High School diploma required.
- Minimum six (6) months related paid experience in a zoological or wildlife facility required
- Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public. Bilingual skills a plus.
- A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZC Drivers Training Program required.
ZCS II:
- High School diploma required.
- Minimum eighteen (18) months of paid experience in a zoological or wildlife facility is required.
- Minimum six (6) months of experience implementing goal-based enrichment applications to encourage natural behaviors is required.
- Minimum six (6) months of paid experience in applying classical and operant conditioning techniques to train domestic or exotic animals is preferred.
- Minimum six (6) months of experience with completion of formal welfare assessments and problem-solving solutions to address well-being concerns is preferred.
- Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public. Bilingual skills a plus.
- A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.
ZCS III:
- High School diploma required.
- Minimum five and half (5.5) years of paid experience in a zoological or wildlife facility is required.
- Minimum three (3) years of experience developing behavioral husbandry programs that involve applying classical and operant conditioning techniques and goal-based enrichment is required.
- Minimum three (3) years of experience with completion of formal welfare assessments and problem-solving solutions to address well-being concerns is preferred.
- Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public. Bilingual skills a plus.
- A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
These are the physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.
- This position is required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel throughout the shift.
- Must use both hands and arms for care of animals and cleaning of enclosures.
- Required to climb stairs or ladders throughout the shift.
- Required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance.
- Evaluating animal health, diet, or environment requires close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, hearing and sense of smell.
- Visual acuity is needed to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal behavior. Color perception is also required.
- Receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- This position functions both indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to high heat, cold, inclement weather, poor air quality, insects, Zoo environments including uneven terrain, dust, and allergens, and external events.
- The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with risk of animal bites (including venomous), zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury.
- The employee may be exposed to environmental substances such as dust/dirt from Zoo grounds.
- The employee may be required to work at heights.
- The position works in close proximity to Zoo animals.
- Regular local travel and occasional out-of-town travel may be required.
- Ability to work overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
