Position summary

Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today and tomorrow. We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits program. Learn more about the benefits Metro offers.

The Oregon Zoo has a reputation for leading groundbreaking research, participates in local and global conservation efforts, and strives to exceed AZA animal welfare standard. The zoo is also deeply committed to sustainability and conservation education. Thanks to a generous $125 million voter approved bond measure, the zoo is transforming into a game changing facility welfare, species and habitat conservation outcomes, and green building practices.

The Oregon Zoo is seeking to fill a role for Animal Keeper in the Bird, Reptile, & Small Mammal Department. Our team is seeking to grow exponentially in avian breeding opportunities and is the primary focus of the department. Additionally, this position will be responsible for the care of the amphibians, reptiles, fish, freshwater otters, and other small mammals. The keeper in this position is responsible for day-to-day husbandry activities and additional essential job duties as listed below. The department will be heavily influenced by campus planning endeavors and we have many new and exciting opportunities on the horizon.

As the Animal Keeper – Birds, Reptiles, & Small Mammals 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. Involvement in corrective actions by initiation or cooperation.
• 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.
• As appropriate, utilize the principles of operant conditioning as appropriate to facilitate daily husbandry, behavioral modification, and medical procedures.
• Service a variety of animal environments including cleaning and disinfecting cages, yards, aviaries, pools, and food and water receptacles.
• Check conditions of animal environments to assess security and safety for animals. Initiate corrective actions for deficiencies.
• Feed animals in a species-specific manner, report on consumption and recommend diet modifications as needed
• Initiate efforts and provide suggestions for breeding focused programs utilizing demonstrable knowledge of species’ natural biology and individual animal needs.
• Administer medications, as prescribed by veterinarians. Inform veterinarian and supervisor of response to medication or other treatments.
• Perform or assist with general husbandry tasks, assist with capture, restraint, or segregation of animals for transfer or medical treatment. Can include manual restraint of small primates and mammals.
• Direct involvement with developing materials for education purposes and presenting education materials to the public. Conduct informative and professional talks and tours through area of responsibility.
• Keep concise, objective records regarding diet, daily animal health and behavior, births, deaths and transfers.

Attributes for success:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Contribute to a positive team atmosphere and contribute in a close, team-oriented environment.
• Passion for avian care, breeding, and conservation.
• Working knowledge of current avian incubation and hand rearing practices.

Diversity and inclusion: At Metro, we are committed to hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, recognizing that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We invest in employees by supporting equitable and inclusive hiring practices, employee policies and training programs.

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related subjects relevant to the care of zoo animals AND
• Three years professional animal keeper experience working with birds OR
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.
• Additional medical testing and/or immunizations (not already stated in this announcement) may be required as the duties of this position may require close contact with animal areas and enclosures where animals may be present.
• Required
  • Valid driver's license (Check will be completed for finalist at time of hire)

Driving Record Check: The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a Driving Record check prior to being hired. Speeding tickets do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:
If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications:
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Experience using incubation equipment.

COMPENSATION AND REPRESENTATION

Based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act, our internal equity review process and the candidate’s qualifications the appointment will typically be made between $25.14 – $26.73 per hour. The full-salary range for this position is $25.14 - $32.07 per hour.

This position is represented and eligible for overtime and is represented by LiUNA 483 and is classified as an Animal Keeper (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• Attachment of a resume

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check
• Driving records check for finalist candidate

Questions?
Recruiter: Megan Warneke
Email: megan.warneke@oregonmetro.gov

Additional Information

COVID-19 safety: The health and safety of our employees and community is a top priority for Metro. Employees will be required to follow all Metro COVID-related policies and procedures, which may meet or exceed guidelines set forth by the CDC, Oregon Health Authority, and other federal, state and local jurisdictions. Learn more at oregonmetro.gov/COVID-19.

Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.

Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-797-1570.

Pay equity at Metro: Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): Unless otherwise stated in a collective bargaining agreement, Metro pays both the employee and employer portion of PERS contributions for eligible employees.

Veterans' preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Metro provides generous health care benefits that vary depending on the plan the employee chooses, bargaining unit affiliation and employment status. Metro participates in the State of Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).