Zoological Aide - Rocky Shores / Tundra

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 Metro Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington. For more information, visit www.pdza.org

POSITION INFORMATION

Under the direction of the Assistant 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. This posting is recruiting for the Rocky Shores-Tundra area which cares for walrus, seals, sea lions, sea otters, alcids, penguins, polar bears, and Arctic fox.

• 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.

Essential Duties

Under the supervision of full-time Staff Biologists, this position is responsible for assisting with daily maintenance and husbandry of the species in the Rocky Shores area; animal diets/food preparation and feeding; exhibit cleaning and general maintenance; animal health observations; medical treatments; record keeping; informal public demonstrations and education interpretation; other duties as assigned.

Experience Required

• Must be a high school graduate.
• 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.

Perks

• Enrollment in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS) may be mandatory.
• Sick Leave: 1 hour earned for every 40 hours worked.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) –SupportLinc provides emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to keep you at your best. Administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, the program offers guidance to help you address and resolve everyday issues at no cost to you or your family.
• Kinside - A child care benefit, connecting you with open spots and discounts of up to 20 percent at top daycares, preschools, camps and after school programs.
• Community Center Fitness Pass - All Metro Parks Tacoma employees get a Staff Pass to use at our community centers. The All Center Pass allows access to all four centers – Center at Norpoint, Eastside Community Center, People’s Center and STAR Center – plus three indoor pools, all semi-outdoor fitness classes, and our exciting new online virtual community center.

Note: THIS BENEFIT OVERVIEW IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or