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Animal Care Assistant

Recruitment #0416-TA0708-TM

Introduction

This recruitment is being conducted to fill part-time and temporary vacancies at Micke Grove Zoo and to establish a referral list to fill future vacancies. 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.

TYPICAL DUTIES

  • 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Note: Supplemental application must be submitted with employment application.

 

Education:   Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university with major coursework in biology, zoology, wildlife management, wildlife ecology, animal behavior, or a closely related field.

 

Substitution:  Experience caring for non-domestic animal species in a zoo, wild animal park/sanctuary, or similar setting may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

 

Special Requirements:  Upon job offer, incumbents must: 1) successfully pass a tuberculosis test and maintain a negative tuberculosis test for the duration of employment; and 2) receive an inoculation for rabies within six months of employment.

 

Certificates:  Incumbents must:  1) obtain a First Aid/CPR certificate within six months of employment; and 2) obtain a firearm safety training certificate within six months of employment.

 

License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE

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.

ABILITY

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.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility -- Operation of a data entry device, constant walking and standing for long periods, pushing/pulling, bending, squatting, crawling, driving; Lifting –frequently 5 - 50 pounds; Vision – good overall vision, color perception, depth perception; reading and close-up work; normal hand and eye coordination; good field of vision/peripheral; Dexterity –normal dexterity and repetitive motion; Hearing/Talking – frequent hearing and talking on the telephone/radio and in person; Special Requirements –  working weekends and holidays;  may require overtime evening work; Emotional/psychological – frequent public contact and decision making; frequent concentration required; occasional exposure to dangerous situations, including trauma, grief and death; working alone.; Environmental – frequent exposure to noise, cold/heat, hazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, and varied weather conditions.

Selection Procedures

Applicants for part-time and temporary recruitments who meet the minimum qualifications are either referred to the hiring department for further selection or they may be required to take a written examination.  If a written examination is given, the top candidates may be referred to the hiring department for further selection.

Testing Accommodation:  Candidates who require testing accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must call Human Resources Division at (209) 468-3370 prior to the examination date. 

Physical Exam:  Some classifications require physical examinations.  Final appointment cannot be made until the eligible has passed the physical examination.  The County pays for physical examinations administered in its medical facilities.

Pre-employment Drug Screening Exam:  Some classifications require a new employee successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment.  Final appointment cannot be made until the eligible has passed the drug screen.  The County pays for the initial drug screen.

Employment of Relatives: Applicants who are relatives of employees in a department within the 3rd degree of relationship, (parent, child, grandparent, grandchild or sibling) either by blood or marriage, may not be appointed, promoted, transferred into or within the department when:

  • They are related to the Appointing Authority, or

  • The employment would result in one of them supervising the work of the other

Department Heads may establish additional limitations on the hiring of relatives by departmental rule.

Proof of Eligibility:  If you are offered a job, you will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or other documents that establish your eligibility to be employed in the U.S.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply Online:       

www.sjgov.org/hr

By mail or in person:  

San Joaquin County Human Resources

44 N. San Joaquin Street Suite 330

Stockton, Ca 95202                                  

 

Office hours:               
Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; excluding holidays.

Phone:  (209) 468-3370 

 

Job Line:

For current employment opportunities please call our 24-hour job line at (209) 468-3377. 

When a final filing date is indicated, applications must be filed with the Human Resources Division before 5:00 p.m. or postmarked by the final filing date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Applications sent through county inter-office mail, which are not received by the final filing date, will not be accepted. (The County assumes no responsibility for mailed applications which are not received by the Human Resources Division).  

San Joaquin County Substance Abuse Policy: San Joaquin County has adopted a Substance Abuse Policy in compliance with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988. This policy is enforced by all San Joaquin County Departments and applies to all San Joaquin County employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer:  San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.  For more information go to
www.sjgov.org/eeo.




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San Joaquin County
Human Resources Division  Stockton, CA 95202
E-mail | Phone: (209) 468-3370 | 8am - 5pm M-F | Powered by JobAps