Herp Keeper/Presenter

Cowboy_Ken

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10 Year Member!
Joined
Nov 18, 2011
Messages
17,560
Location (City and/or State)
Suburban-life in Salem, Oregon
Herp Keeper/Presenter
March 9, 2017 Job Postings
Facility-Reptile & Amphibian Discovery Zoo in Owatonna, Minnesota
Closing Date-April 10, 2017

DESCRIPTION
Keeper will be responsible for accomplishing animal care and exhibit maintenance for a diverse collection of nearly 200 species of reptiles and amphibians as well as a few species of birds, invertebrates, and fish. A variety of guest interactions will be required including individual guest interactions at the zoo, presentations to school groups or families in our amphitheatre, and also conducting traveling presentations at schools, daycares, birthdays and more. The position entails approximately 60% animal husbandry and 40% guest interaction/presentations. This position requires an individual with a high degree of professionalism who takes pride in work well done. This individual must be a leader and a team player. The priorities for this position include attention to animal care and health, fostering a positive team environment, and accomplishing an excellent guest experience.
Essential Job Functions
• Assist in the care of a diverse animal collection including feeding, cleaning, exhibit design, enrichment, training, and the administration of medications when necessary.
• Keep all exhibit areas and off exhibit areas clean, neat and well organized.
• Help train new employees, interns, and volunteers to assure compliance with established standards and protocols.
• Independently conduct traveling animal outreach presentations for a variety of audiences.
Requirements-
• After a period of training, must be willing to work with potentially dangerous animals in the collection, including crocodilians, large pythons, and venomous snakes.
• All team members must understand the significance of their role and how they can positively impact visitors. Pro-active, friendly communication will be expected at all times, as well as anticipating visitors’ needs.
• Ability to lead, and work as a part of a team in a constantly changing environment as well as individually, with a minimum of supervision
• A valid driver’s License with a good driving record
• Ability to drive a medium size SUV is required to do traveling programs. Must also be able to do simple vehicle maintenance like check and fill oil and fluids if needed.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Maintain a non-smoking work environment
• Adherence to zoo personal appearance standards
Guest/Customer Service Skills— must have knowledge of principles for providing quality customer service to provide great guest interaction. Also need to be able to or willing to learn how to run a cash register to check guests in and out of the zoo.
Physical Demands- Need to be able to lift 50 pounds. Able to move quickly if needed. Must be able to do some repetitive physical work such as shoveling, scrubbing, or using a shop-vac. Must be able to navigate ladders to service some exhibits.
Work Environment- Indoors when working at the zoo, must be able to work in a non-air conditioned building during the summer, with temperatures occasionally reaching into the 90’s, traveling presentations may be outdoors in nicer weather.
May be exposed to allergens such as dust and cut grass.
Pre-Employment Testing- Successful candidates must pass a background check.
EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES
A degree in Biology, Zoology, or related field.
Previous reptile experience is a plus
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Compensation: $10- $12.50 per hour dependent on experience
Benefits- 1 day of paid flex time accumulated once per month for full time employees.
No medical benefits.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Email resume and cover letter to [email protected]
 

saginawhxc

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Joined
Mar 24, 2016
Messages
897
Location (City and/or State)
Saginaw, Michigan, USA
Yeah, part of me says I missed the boat and I should have went to college so I could do something like this. Then I see the low pay and zero benefits.

How the heck can you justify requiring a college degree on such low pay. So I'm supposed to spend $80,000+ just so I can make $21,000-25,000 a year?
 

Kapidolo Farms

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10 Year Member!
Tortoise Club
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Joined
Nov 7, 2012
Messages
5,173
Location (City and/or State)
South of Southern California, but not Mexico
When there is such a low range for "depending on experience" from 10 to 12.50, sure that's 25%, you already know that unless that job is secured with some sort of contract you will never get anywhere near a cost of living wage. No one will be offered more than the 10, even if they have excellent experience. No one with excellent experience will seek even the 12.50 unless they have some other reason to be in that employment market.

That's a 18 to 25 an hour position. Jackassery at it's best for the need versus offer.
 

leigti

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5 Year Member
Joined
Nov 2, 2013
Messages
7,026
Location (City and/or State)
southeast Washington
That is a very strange add in my opinion. Depending on what the cost of living is in the area of this zoo 10 to 12 bucks an hour may not be that bad except for one minor detail. The requirement for a degree. Even an associates degree in any of those fields would cost a ton of money to get. I think there are many experienced reptile keepers who could easily do that job and they don't need a college degree to do it. This sounds like a relatively low ranking job. In other words "not top zookeeper". So again why would you need a college degree to do it?
 
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