Job Description

Job Details

Working Title: Animal Care Technician 3-Ambassador Animals

Job Class: Zoo Keeper

Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID : 85999
• Location : Apple Valley
• Telework Eligible : No
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 05/05/2025
• Closing Date : 05/19/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME
• Division/Unit : Animal Care, Health, Conservation & Behavior/Animal Care / Ambassador Animals
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift; 7:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. Hours may vary
• Days of Work : Five (5) eight hour days; Sunday – Saturday. Schedule determined upon hire. May include working 1 or 2 weekend days.
• Travel Required : No
• Salary Range: $26.03 - $34.65 / hourly; $54,350 - $72,349 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area : Operations: Ambassador Animals/Bird Show/Close Encounters
• FLSA Status : Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

This position provides animal and habitat care and maintenance so that healthy, well-adjusted animals, and attractive, instructive exhibits are presented to guests of the Minnesota Zoo in a manner that supports the Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The incumbent ensures appropriate welfare of the animals. The incumbent operates fleet vehicles to move around the Zoo campus.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Perform animal husbandry procedures as established so that the highest level of animal health and exhibition are maintained.
• Perform maintenance and general cleaning of habitats and work areas as assigned so that a neat and clean appearance and pleasant and safe experience are provided for all guests.
• Prepare, present, and participate in interpretive programs for Zoo guests, staff, and/or volunteers so that staff and guests receive accurate information on the biology, natural history, and conservation of the species in an educational and entertaining manner.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• Three (3) years of experience as a full-time Zookeeper at a zoo or aquarium; OR Three (3) years of experience working in a veterinary hospital involving direct animal care and maintenance. Experience must be within the last ten (10) years and include all of the following:
• Working with animals in an ambassador setting, including handling and presenting in a show setting, encounters, and media events
• Observation of animal behaviors
• Preparation and feeding of animal diets
• Preparation and maintenance of detailed animal records
• Maintenance of sanitary animal living conditions
• Training animals using operant conditioning with positive reinforcement; experience training advanced show and husbandry behaviors
• Creating goal-based enrichment items
• Customer service skills sufficient to work with co-workers and guests courteously and respectfully.
• Ability to interpret technical literature that relates to the health and management of animals.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity.
• Unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education, Ecology or closely related field.
• Experience working with and caring for animals at an AZA accredited Zoo or aquarium including preparing diets, feeding animals, maintaining sanitary animal living conditions, observing animal behavior, and maintaining animal records.
• Experience with invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds.
• Experience interpreting animal behavior and providing species specific information to guests.
• Open water SCUBA certification or equivalent.
• Current CPR and 1st AID certification.
• Ability to work as a firearms team member.

Physical Requirements

• Current rabies vaccination and negative TB or ability to become Rabies vaccinated and complete a negative TB test within the probationary period and complete ongoing Rabies titer testing. The MN Zoo will cover the cost of your vaccines if you schedule your appointment through our occupational health clinic, upon hire.
• Exposure to some zoonotic diseases and potent immobilization agents/drugs for treatment of animals
• Exposure to a wide variety of pesticides and potentially dangerous equipment and machinery on a regular basis
• Ability to differentiate colors
• Ability to routinely work with potentially dangerous domestic animals
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year round
• Ability to negotiate all types of terrain
• Ability to use hand/finger coordination to manipulate items and operate hand and/or power tools
• Ability to lift, carry and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to lift and move large objects as a team over uneven terrain
• Ability to push/pull up to 90 pounds
• Ability to shovel to clean animal areas and work areas
• Ability to bend and crouch occasionally throughout the day
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders occasionally throughout the day
• Ability to tolerate loud noises regularly throughout the day
• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time throughout the day
• Ability to wear N95 face masks/respirators
• Ability to grip 34 pounds to operate power washer intermittently for up to 60 minutes

Additional Requirements

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check including fingerprinting
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to

Please be aware that emails from state email addresses may end up in your spam folder. To ensure these emails reach your inbox, add @state.mn.us to your safe sender list or check your spam folder.

State of Minnesota is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Veteran’s Preference:

In order to be considered an eligible candidate for Veteran's Preference, apply online and email your valid DD-214 form along with the Job ID# and Position Title by the closing date to cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us, or mail to Cyndee Robinson, MN Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124.

For technical application assistance, please contact MMB Careers.

If you have questions please visit the page of Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Cynthia Robinson at cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Cyndee Robinson at cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife . Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

Job Tags

Remote job, Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Outdoor, Work visa, Shift work, Weekend work, Sunday, Day shift, Saturday,

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