Animal Care Assistant

sjgov•Stockton, CA

16h

About The Position

This recruitment is being given to fill 1 part-time/temporary positions in the Parks & Recreation Department and to establish an eligible referral pool that may be used to fill future part-time/temporary opportunities. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline. NOTE: All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail. Pre-Employment Background, DOJ Live Scan and Drug Screen: Potential new hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a DOJ Live Scan, a pre-employment background investigation and a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment. Final appointment cannot be made unless the eligible has successfully completed the DOJ Live Scan, background process and passed the drug screen. The County pays for the initial drug screen.

Requirements

EITHER PATTERN I Experience: Equivalent to one year of full-time (2080 hours) paid or unpaid experience caring for non-domestic animal species in a zoo, wild animal park/sanctuary, or similar setting. Note: Unpaid hours such as those obtained through volunteerism or internships will be accepted only if: 1) the experience is documented on letterhead from the organization where it was obtained; and 2) the documentation includes dates, number of hours worked and duties performed (2,080 hours is equivalent to one year full-time experience).
OR PATTERN II Education: Successful completion of at least 60 semester or equivalent quarter units from an accredited college or university, including 18 units of coursework in any combination of the following: biology, zoology, wildlife management, wildlife ecology, animal behavior, or a closely related field.
AND FOR BOTH PATTERNS Special requirements: 1) Upon job offer, incumbents must successfully pass a tuberculosis test and maintain a negative tuberculosis test for duration of employment; 2) receive inoculation for rabies within six months of employment.
Certifications: 1) Obtain First Aid/CPR certificate within six month of employment; and 2) obtain firearm safety training certificate within six months of employment.
License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Basic principles of biology, zoology, ecology and animal population management; basic principles of animal husbandry, basic sanitation methods and materials; basic zoo practices and procedures; general safety procedures; the hazards of working with wild animals; basic computer and modern office automation technology.
Recognize changes in animal behavior or physical condition
Follow oral and written directions
Interpret and apply zoo regulations and procedures
Work safely and effectively with wild, delicate and potentially dangerous animals
Perform basic mathematical calculations and make accurate measurements
Operate various motorized vehicles
Operate computers and use standard software
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including staff, volunteers, and the public.

Responsibilities

Assists in monitoring the health and well-being of living animal collections by noting physical or behavioral changes and observing animals for signs of illness or injury, including diet consumption and other variables used to assess animal condition.
Assists in preparing and distributing animal diets and meals as directed; helps maintain safe and sanitary food preparation and storage areas, monitors food and supply inventory and rotates stock.
Assists in cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining animal exhibits and veterinary facilities; makes minor repairs to enclosures; monitors exhibits for pests and predators.
Assists in providing animal enrichment to simulate natural conditions; helps install appropriate exhibit furnishings such as perches, nest sites, foraging areas, resting platforms, and landscape materials.
May provide routine animal health care under veterinary direction; may help capture or restrain animals for veterinary care procedures and animal management needs.
Assists in maintaining and/or updating exhibits, grounds, service areas, and support facilities to provide a safe, attractive and healthy environment for animals and the public.
Assists with the training of volunteer staff.
Interacts with zoo visitors and the general public by explaining and enforcing zoo regulations and policies and providing information on animal natural history, care and conservation.
May assist in transporting zoo specimens and providing temporary housing as required.
Prepares records and reports regarding zoo activities, as directed.