Seasonal Animal Keeper - Invertebrates

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The Oregon Zoo is looking for a Seasonal Animal Keeper to join the Invertebrate Team. If you are passionate about wildlife, connecting understudied species to the community, and have an interest in invertebrates, this could be the perfect role for you. In this position, you will play a vital role in the care and well-being of invertebrates at the Insect Zoo, including various species of stick bugs, cockroaches, and tarantulas. From caring for larvae and monitoring invertebrate populations to detailed husbandry and educational programming, your work will be central to the invertebrates at the Oregon Zoo Insect Zoo. You may also join the on-the-ground efforts of the Mazama Newt and Oregon Silverspot Butterfly conservation projects in a supporting role.

Expected Seasonal Schedule: March 2027 – October 2027; Friday – Tuesday, 7am – 1:30pm

As the Seasonal Animal Keeper - Invertebrates you will

• Observe animals to identify normal and abnormal behavior, reproductive behavior, eating habits, health problems, injuries, and adjustment to diet changes or response to medication. Identify and report concerns to supervisor; involvement in corrective actions by initiation or cooperation. • Service a variety of animal environments including cleaning and disinfecting tanks, bins, and food and water receptacles. Also maintains keeper areas such as offices and kitchens. • Check conditions of animal environments to assess security and safety for animals and humans, including checks of perimeters and locking systems. Develops safe work habits and contributes to the safety of self and coworkers. Follows all safety guidelines and procedures. • Feed animals in a species-specific manner, report on consumption and recommend diet modifications as needed. • Administer medications, as prescribed by veterinarians. Inform veterinarian and supervisor of response to medication or other treatments. • Initiate or provide suggestions for enrichment options which demonstrate knowledge of designated species’ natural biology and individual animal needs; provide designated enrichment to species under care and observe and document effectiveness, as appropriate. • Keep concise, objective records regarding diet, daily animal health and behavior, births, deaths, transfers, social dynamics, wellbeing, or any other topic deemed pertinent to the care of species in purview. • Perform or assist with general husbandry tasks, regularly communicate with supervisor regarding husbandry. May assist with capture, restraint, or segregation of animals for transfer or medical treatment. • May be involved with developing materials for education purposes and presenting education materials to the public. Conduct informative and professional talks and tours through area of responsibility as assigned, and act as an information resource to the public and other departments. • Stay up to date on current industry care standards for the designated species, including but not limited to feeding strategies, introduction methods, breeding and rearing practices, social management, training practices and strategies, and engaging enrichment. • Operate and maintain tools and equipment to maintain a safe working environment, including appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), video monitors, lockout/tagout systems, signage, fire extinguishers, ladders, microscopes, etc. • Maintain animal care standards and work in compliance with all USDA and AZA rules, regulations, and guidelines, as well as safety rules, OSHA standards, work rules and Zoo and area policies and procedures. • Contribute to a positive team atmosphere through the daily coordination of work with colleagues, supervisors, gardeners, custodians, security, maintenance, and other zoo staff. • Effectively communicate to managers, team members, and other zoo departments and guests. • Performs other duties as assigned.