Zookeeper - Vet Tech

Posted: Friday, November 1, 2019

Position Title: Zookeeper - Vet Tech

Position Type:  Full Time 

Organization Name: Riverside Discovery Center

Location (City, State):  Scottsbluff, Nebraska

Job Description/Duties

The Riverside Discovery Center is currently seeking a full-time Zookeeper Vet Tech who will work with species that include chimpanzees, Amur tigers, spider monkeys, swift fox, zebra and more. This is primarily a Zookeeper position, but does require assisting the Zoo Veterinarian when needed. Being a small facility, the Vet Tech aspect makes up for a small portion of time but the required skills are still taken very seriously. The zoo staff works in a positive, team-oriented environment to enhance our mission to inspire a sense of awe and stewardship for the natural world by supporting conservation, education, discovery and recreation.

  • Carries out all aspects of daily care of animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, and general upkeep of zoo. •Maintains clean, safe and organized exhibits, holding areas, service areas, and equipment.
  • Assist Veterinarian with gross necropsy, fecal analysis, vaccination administration, nail & beak trim, anesthesia administration, maintaining hospital supplies & equipment and anything else required.
  • Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding practices and diet sheets.
  • Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
  • Monitors and reports animal health or behavioral issues to Head Keeper.
  • Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the Head Keeper. •May participate in delivery of educational programs, and/or other public interactions. Must be comfortable with talking to small groups, and display excellent customer service skills. •May oversee work activities and/or provide training for interns, seasonal staff, or volunteers.
  • Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams and departments.
  • Must be able to safely maintain and operate maintenance equipment.
  • Designs, executes, and distributes a variety of enrichment on a daily basis to the zoo animals.

This position works all areas of the zoo on a rotating basis. The successful candidate will have a passion for animal welfare and behavior management, as well as both staff and program development. As keeper talks and animal encounters are vital to accomplishing our mission to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife, the person we are seeking is skilled in guest engagement and able

Qualifications or Skills Required

Veterinary Technician Degree related relevant degree with a Vet Tech certification appropriate to the state you live in

  • In addition the following is preferred but not required: Graduation from a two-year technical or community college with a degree in zoo animal technology or other related curriculum; or graduation from high school and two years of animal care experience in a zoo or related facility; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions.
  • Easily navigates computer programs such as Microsoft Office
  • Physically able to stoop, bend, reach, lift, carry or push at least 75 pounds in warm Nebraska summers and cold Nebraska winters
  • Must have valid driver's license, able to work weekends, holidays and special events as needed • Excellent communication skills with co-workers, managers and veterinary staff

Preferred Experience and Skills

  • Preferred Experience and Skills:
  • Participation in AZA programs and other zoo related organizations
  • Use hand and power tools for minor carpentry and habitat modification projects
  • Demonstrated initiative and problem solving
  • Be familiar with AZA and USDA policies

Salary & Benefits

Salary to be negotiated based on experience 

Contact Information/Instructions How to Apply

Please email resume, cover letter and references to the Zoo Director  - Anthony Mason at amason@riversidediscoverycenter.org. Questions may also be directed to this email or 1-308-632-0056.