Location: Carlsbad,NM, USA
$19.82 - $31.71 Hourly $41,218 - $65,949 Annually This position is a Pay Band 60 Posting Details This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once. Outdoor recreation is a driving force in New Mexico's economy and State Parks is a key player. Connected to communities statewide, our 35 state parks are often economic drivers for local businesses, towns, and cities. Many rural communities rely on a state park as a major source of economic development. The State Parks' mission is to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, provide first-class recreational and education facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety to benefit and enrich the lives of visitors. State Parks is committed to this mission, employing professional, dedicated staff to ensure that parks are cared for and preserved to the highest professional standards. State Park programs provide safe, fun, and educational experiences for the whole family. Why does the job exist? Under supervision, this position will provide the daily care and maintenance of the living zoological collection at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park ensuring Department, Division and Park goals and objectives as well as Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements and objectives are met. This includes educating Park visitors and interpretation of wildlife and wildlife issues. How does it get done? This position will make daily decisions to best ensure the health, welfare and physical and psychological well being of the living zoological collection at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park. Self directed to the extent that the employee has the authority to make daily decisions based on the immediate needs of the animals under their care. This includes coordinating with the veterinarian. Safety to staff is a priority. These judgments and decisions effect work performance and have a direct major impact on the Park's operations. AZA and USDA goals and requirements must be met as well as OSHA, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and New Mexico Game and Fish (NMGF) requirements. The animals in the collection must be fed, watered, observed and the exhibit and holding areas cleaned on a daily basis. Environmental enrichment is given to the animal collection to promote physical and psychological well being. Who are the customers? Internal and external customers, visitors throughout the state of New Mexico and surrounding states who are campers, hikers, and boaters that come to visit the park for a variety of reasons. Local community businesses in surrounding areas of the park. Ideal Candidate Bachelor's degree in biology, fisheries science/management, wildlife science/management, animal science, forestry, ecology or similar related natural resource degree and two (2) years directly related work experience. Two (2) years' experience maintaining a live zoological collection, animal exhibits and support facilities, in accordance with Association of Zoos and Aquariums standards and United States Department of Agriculture professional standards. Direct experience and responsibility for the cleanliness, inspection, maintenance, and minor repair of animal exhibits. Experience determining the budget required and the equipment, tools, and materials needed to accomplish work. Two (2) years' experience presenting and communicating with the public to provide information on the zoological collection and operations. Experience of timely preparation and distribution of species appropriate diets and tracking feed commodity use. Experience in the daily observation of animals by assessing the animal's physical appearance, behavior and environment. Minimum Qualification Associate degree in biology, fisheries science management, wildlife science management, animal science, forestry, ecology, or similar related natural resource degree and two (2) years of directly related work experience. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience. Employment Requirements Must be able to respond to immediate issues at Park, whether on days off or not. Weekend/ holiday work required. Working Conditions This position will require the incumbent to work outdoors in seasonally extreme weather conditions including heat, wind, cold, rain, dry, for extended periods of time. Physical requirements include standing, walking, running, climbing, bending, raking, hosing, driving, lifting up to 75 pounds, pushing or pulling up to 90 pounds, carrying up to 75 pounds. Daily interaction with native wildlife, some considered dangerous, with potential exposure to zoonotic disease. Use and handling of cleaning and sanitation products approved for use with native wildlife along with potential exposure to mechanical, electrical and other health hazards. Ability to provide immediate response to emergency situations, or immediate need issues, at the Zoo, whether on days off or not. Weekend/holiday work required. Supplemental Information Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here Agency Contact Information: Holly Payne. Email For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement. Bargaining Unit Position This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.