Zoo Keeper Part-Time Unbenefited, Parks Recreation and Neighborhood Services

Zoo Keeper Part-Time Unbenefited, Parks Recreation and Neighborhood Services - ( 2101461 )

San Joss Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department (PRNS) is looking for people who want to make San Jos a better place to live. Our mission is to build healthy communities through people, parks, and programs, and our vision is to be a national leader in cultivating healthy communities through quality programs and dynamic public spaces. We are guided by the principles of accessibility, inclusiveness, affordability, equity, diversity, sustainability, and flexibility.

Using guiding principles from our 20-year strategic plan, , we create and activate quality places where people want to live, work, play, and learn: 51 community centers, 210 parks, , and more. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the publics trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative. We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning.

**Positions & Duties**

Pursuant to the Citys Covid-19 Mandatory Vaccination and Testing Policy, the City of San Jose is requiring all new hires to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination as a condition of employment absent a documented medical and/or religious exemption.

Please note that applications are currently ***not*** accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Joses website at .

**Interviews will tentatively be held early-mid February 2022**

The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates qualifications and experience. This position is covered under the Living Wage Policy with a current hourly rate of $25.31. The Living Wage rate consists of a base amount and an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing compensation pay.

The Department is currently recruiting to fill multiple part-time, unbenefited vacancies for Zoo Keeper positions at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and Emma Prusch Farm Park. The Department is seeking highly motivated, personable individuals with strong leadership skills and innovative ideas to become part of a dynamic team of employees with a strong commitment to providing excellent service to our diverse community.

**PLEASE NOTE** *:* Hours are not guaranteed. Schedules can vary between 8-24 hours per week or be on an on call basis depending on knowledge, training, and experience with specific animal routines. These positions will be required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, during all climactic conditions as assigned and must have the ability to enter animal areas and perform physical work (including lifting objects up to 50 lbs.).

The position performs work involving the care and feeding of zoo, domestic farm, and/or non-domestic animals and maintenance of cages, enclosures, grounds and service areas; working with animals under all types of climatic conditions to prepare them for presentations, capture and restraint, basic husbandry, and behavioral enrichment. In addition, responding to general questions from the public regarding non-domestic and/or domestic animals.

**About Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (HHPZ):** This is a 16-acre amusement park and Association of Zoo's & Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo located in San Jos, California. HHPZ is open year-round catering to families with children. It operates seven amusement park rides, showcases various endangered species, and operates one of the oldest classical puppet theaters in California, as well as offering many other playgrounds and attractions emphasizing play and imagination in a natural conservation setting.

**About Emma Prusch Farm Park:** This is a 43-acre Regional park in San Jos, California. The park is open year-round and helps demonstrate the valley's agricultural past in a rural atmosphere. It includes a 4-H barn (the largest in San Jos), community gardens, rare-fruit orchards, demonstration gardens, picnic areas, event buildings, playgrounds, and is home to the Hatchery Preschool and Veggielution. Through the park's interactive Small Animal Area, themed classes, and camps, children have an opportunity to experience and learn about the park's unique collection of farm animals.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

**Qualifications**

**Minimum Qualifications**

**Education:** Completion of high school diploma or equivalent General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.

**Experience:** One (1) year (equivalent to 2,080 hours) of experience in the care of non-domestic animals.

**Acceptable Substitutions:** College coursework in zoology, biology, or related field can substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. One (1) year of coursework is equivalent to 30 semester units/45 quarter units.

**Licenses:** Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required.

**Employment Eligibility:** Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent, or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application. State law requires all employees working with youth to provide medical verification of negative tuberculosis test results within the last year.

**Competencies**

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:

**Job Expertise:** Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies, and federal and state rules and regulations. Demonstrated skills and experience with the following:

* Knowledge of and experience with modern zoo operating practices and principles, including safety.

* Knowledge of and experience with principles for working with domestic and/or non-domestic animals as they pertain to park and zoo exhibits and performance of animal husbandry tasks.

* Knowledge of and experience with normal domestic and/or non-domestic animal behavior, with the ability to recognize and report abnormal behavior, attitude, or appearance of animals.

* Knowledge of and experience with behavioral enrichment and animal training programs.

* Knowledge of and experience with performing and/or assisting with basic veterinary procedures, handling and restraint of a wide variety of animals such as reptiles, birds, mammals, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, rabbits, and/or other domestic and non-domestic animals as they pertain to park and zoo exhibits.

* Knowledge of and experience with performing basic construction and maintenance of animal habitats and displays, including plant maintenance.

**Communication Skills:** Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other peoples ideas and thoughts.

**Initiative:** Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance.

**Multi-tasking:** Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).

**Problem Solving:** Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; deter