New 6/98
City of San José
ZOO KEEPER (FT) (6353)
ZOO KEEPER (PT) (6354)
Class Purpose
Under immediate supervision, performs work involving the care
of zoo animals and maintenance of cages, enclosures, grounds, and
service areas. Performs related work as required.
Typical Duties and Results (Any one position may not
include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the
duties which may be performed.)
- Prepares diets for the animal collection; cleans animal
displays and holding and service areas;
- Assists in training animals for basic husbandry and
enrichment behaviors.
- Works with animal collection in preparation for
presentations, and capture and restraint of animals.
- Records and reports any unusual condition regarding the
animals’ health to supervisor.
- Reports any maintenance issues and potential safety
hazards to supervisor.
- Assists in constructing and maintaining animal displays
and habitats.
- Assists animal health staff with animal handling,
capture, restraint, and medication administration.
- Assists with maintenance chores, movement of animals, and
loading and unloading of supplies, feeds, and other
goods.
- Euthenize specified feed animals for consumption by meat
eating animals.
- Responds to general questions from the public regarding
the zoo animals.
- May provide support to the South Bay Zoological Society,
zoo education, and volunteer programs.
- May handle cash as needed or assigned using adopted City
procedures.
- Works weekends, evenings, and holidays during all
climatic conditions as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This class is the second level of three in the Zoo Keeper
series. It differs from the next lower class of Zoo Keeper Aide
in that incumbents of the latter class perform the more routine
tasks in the care of zoo animals. It differs from the next higher
class of Senior Zoo Keeper in that incumbents of the latter class
lead and train this class and are responsible for coordination of
animal care activities.
Qualifications
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of the care, feeding, and handling of zoo and
domestic animals.
- Knowledge of zoo safety rules and regulations.
- Knowledge of normal animal behavior.
- Skill in the handling and restraint of zoo and domestic
animals.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written
instructions including routine procedures for care and
maintenance of animals, grounds, displays, and habitats.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working
relationships with co-workers and the public.
- Ability to enter animal areas and perform physical work
(including lifting objects up to 50 lbs.)
- Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, during
all climactic conditions.
Competency Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of animal training theory and applications.
- Knowledge of routine plant and equipment care.
- Ability to prepare animal diets.
- Ability to fill out logs and forms regarding the status
of the animals.
- Ability to recognize and report abnormal behavior,
attitude, or appearance of zoo animals.
- Ability to perform simple monetary transactions such as
making correct change, and keep routine records.
- Skill in handling and restraining exotic zoo animals.
Education
Completion of high school, General Educational Development
(G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.
Experiences
One (1) year experience in the care of non-domestic animals.
Acceptable Substitutions
College coursework in zoology, biology or related field can
substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Licenses/Certificates
Possession of a valid State of California driver’s
license may be required.
(New 6/98)
6353s000.doc