Zookeeper - Zebra, Ostrich and Giraffe

Agency

Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division

Zoological Park

Job Classification Title

Zookeeper (S)

Position Number

60033294

Grade

NC05

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team!

Description of Work

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking an enthusiastic team member to be part of its Zebra, Ostrich and Giraffe work unit. Animals cared for include zebra, ostrich, giraffe and red river hogs. Responsibilities include the daily assessment and care of these species both on-habitat and off-habitat animal areas.
In addition to a rewarding work environment, Zookeepers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of conservation initiatives, involvement in Zoo committees, and other professional development opportunities. The Zoo is centrally located on a beautiful 500+ acre site in the heart of the North Carolina Piedmont plateau region and the Uwharrie Mountains. Multiple hiking trails are located on property with quick access to the Piedmont Triad cities, Appalachian Mountains, and coastal towns providing the opportunity for a positive, work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities:
• Provide daily care of animal collection, maintenance of animal habitats, and holding areas, including heavy lifting of hay, grain, manure, substrates and heavy duty cleaning and scrubbing as a routine occurrence.
• Conduct systematic observation and monitoring of animal health, behavior, and welfare.
• Interact with zoo guests in formal and informal setting.
• Work as a team to develop and implement holistic behavioral management program which utilizes positive reinforcement training, behavior-based enrichment variability, and utilizing research to provide a dynamic environment for optimal animal welfare.
• Ensure thorough and accurate animal records are maintained
• Be an active, productive member of the team to ensure highest quality of animal care and welfare, problem solve issues and engage in decision making processes.
• May be assigned to work with other animal species in other work units as needed.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.

Recruitment Range:   $33,902 - $44,800

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Demonstrated hands-on animal care experience at an AZA accredited zoo or related facility

• Demonstrated experience with record keeping and comfort utilizing computers.

• Keen observation skills to discern and interpret subtle changes in health, condition and behavior of animals, and to monitor breeding activity.

• Proven communication skills to include guest interactions, public speaking, reporting, and or team interactions.

• Experience with positive reinforcement-based operant conditioning and environmental enrichment

Position/Physical Requirements

• Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider.

• This position is designated as Essential/Mandatory and is required to work adverse weather events and may be called to work special events. 

• Work schedule - between the hours of 7:30am - 5:30pm, 8 - 9 hour shifts (seasonally dependent)

• Must be able to work a rotating schedule that involves working weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts.

• Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program.

• Must be able to capture, handle and restrain live exotic and potentially dangerous animals and use associated capture equipment.

• Must have the ability to perform strenuous physical work with alertness to surroundings in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.

This position is located at:

4401 Zoo Parkway

Asheboro, NC 27205

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelors degree in biology, zoology, natural sciences, 
OR
related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution 
AND
one year of experience working in a zoo-based or related animal care facility; 
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Division Description

The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and guests.  The North Carolina Zoo mission is to protect wildlife and wild places and inspire people to join in conserving the natural world.  This mission encompasses both domestic and international efforts, focusing on wildlife conservation, habitat preservation and promoting environmental stewardship.

Learn more about the North Carolina Zoo: https://nczoo.org

Click here to learn about employee perks and benefits.

Click here to see the Total Compensation Calculator.

Supplemental and Contact Information.

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence. 

We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community. 

Application Process

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.

• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.

• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application. The hiring process may take several weeks.

• Applicants are unable to submit more than one application to an individual posting.  Only one application received prior to the closing date will be accepted.  Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on the night prior to the closing date.  

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more. 

Veteran’s and National Guard Preference 

Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application. 

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. 

Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. 

ADA Accommodations 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. 

Employment Eligibility 

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System). 

CONTACT INFORMATION

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

North Carolina Zoo

4401 Zoo Parkway

Asheboro, NC 27205

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Kimberly West

Email:

[email protected]