About the Department
Based on our internal equity review process, the anticipated starting wage for this position is $17.13 hourly.
PARKS TACOMA is a CAPRA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Parks Tacoma’s mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. The 29-acre zoological park was established in 1905, and attracts over 800,000 visitors a year. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more. The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Point Defiance Zoo is operated by Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington. For more information, visit www.pdza.org.
POSITION INFORMATION - Under the supervision of the area Curator, this position is responsible for performing specialized work in the care, observation, and maintenance of an assigned zoological area at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
- Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.
Position Duties
With direction from the Assistant Curator and full-time Staff Biologists, this position is responsible for assisting with daily maintenance and husbandry of the species in the Kids’ Zone area; to include:
- Animal diets/food preparation and feeding
- Exhibit cleaning and general maintenance
- Animal health observations
- Medical treatments
- Record keeping
- Attending and interpreting at the goat yard while open to the public
- Informal public demonstrations and education interpretation
- Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Must have a High School diploma, GED or equivalent certification
- Must be at least 18 years old
- College experience in biological sciences desirable
- Previous animal care experience preferred
- Must be able to communicate effectively and follow written & oral instructions
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays
Other Qualifications
HOURS:
This position will begin working up to 29 hours per week, and must be available weekends and holidays.
ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor and outdoor environment
Adverse weather conditions
Cold water while interacting with animals
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Lifting and carrying heavy objects or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
Pushing. Climbing. Walking.
Kneeling and crouching to work with and feed animals.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools.
HAZARDS:
Exposure to potentially dangerous and sick animals.
Exposure to animal bodily fluids/products.
Chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise.
Possible contact with upset or angry visitors.
PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply. Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource (253) 305-1089 or hr@parkstacoma.gov
Employment is subject to a national background check. This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.