JOB CLASS TITLE: Zookeeper II 
POSITION NUMBER: 60033330 
DEPARTMENT: Dept. of Environment & Natural Resource 
DIVISION/SECTION: NC Zoo 
SALARY RANGE: 
 $28,826.00 - $44,099.00 Annually
SALARY GRADE / SALARY GRADE EQUIVALENT: 62 
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent Full-Time 
WORK LOCATION: Randolph County 
OPENING DATE: 01/24/14 
CLOSING DATE: 02/14/14 5:00 PM Eastern Time 
 
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: 
 
The NC Zoo is seeking an enthusiastic team leader to be part of its Watani Grasslands section working with African elephants. Responsibilities include the daily assessment and care of elephants both on-exhibit and off-exhibit animal areas. Daily duties also include:

Heavy lifting of hay, grain, manure, substrates, etc.; heavy duty cleaning and scrubbing is a routine occurrence. Systematic observation of animal health and behavior. Training and maintenance of husbandry behaviors, applying principles of operant conditioning, to gain cooperation of the elephants in their own care.
Development and implementation of behavioral enrichment programs to elicit species-typical behaviors in a captive environment.Thorough and accurate written records for computer databases. Actively participating in team problem solving and decision making processes. Participates in team problem solving and the decision making process. Participates in NC Zoo programs, to include: behavioral management, enrichment and EMS programs. Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program due to potential exposure to zoonosis. Position has rotating schedule that involves working holidays and weekends and involves both indoor/outdoor work. 
May be assigned to work with other animal species in other work units as needed. 
 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES:
 
**To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.** 

Must have proven skills in:
Operant conditioning in a positive reinforcement, protected contact system with elephants. 
Environmental enrichment 

Must have considerable working knowledge of animal husbandry to include:
Animal capture & restraint
Animal feeding strategies and species-specific nutrition
Safety and safe practices around dangerous animals

Must have a thorough knowledge of biology, including animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behavior for mammals
 
Qualified applicants meet the following skills and abilities:
Accurate and thorough record-keeping and excellent and oral and written communication skills.
Must be competent with computers and MS Office for research & daily reporting.  
Must have good interpersonal relations/teamwork.    
Must have good physical agility, strength, vision & hearing, and the ability to perform strenuous physical work in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments, e.g. outdoor animal enclosures. Specifically, this means the ability to lift 50 pounds, walk, stand, see animals & exhibits for observation and safety as well as hear animal's sounds, radio communication and emergency situations.
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 
Graduation from a two-year technical or community college with a degree in zoo animal technology or other related curriculum and two years of animal care experience in a zoo or related facility; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions. 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL AND CONTACT INFORMATION: 
All relevant experience must be included on application to receive proper credit.  Resumes are not accepted in lieu of state application.

SEE ATTACHED RESUME WILL RESULT IN AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION. 
To receive credit, all experience must be included in the work history sections.  Any information omitted from the application but included in the resume will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Persons eligible for veteran preference must submit a copy of Form DD-214.  

DENR uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Personnel Act with the most qualified applicants. When a salary range is posted, the actual salary will be based on relevant competencies, knowledge, skills and abilities, internal equity and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. The State of North Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

For additional information, please contact: 

NC Zoo 
HR Department 
336-879-7310
 
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.oshr.nc.gov/jobs/index.html

NOTE: Apply to the department listed on posting
An Equal Opportunity Employer, NC State Government
