Heritage Farm Attendant (Seasonal)

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Our employees also remain committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Heritage Farm Attendant (Seasonal)

Milwaukee County Zoo

Hourly Pay: $17.98

Closing Date: 2/20/2025 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Job Summary: The Seasonal Heritage Farm Attendant role maintains and enhances the welfare of the Zoo's Family Farm animal population in accordance with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) advanced standards for professional animal care. This role is also responsible for the daily care of domestic and ambassador animals, their enclosures, surroundings, and support facilities. The Heritage Farm Attendant will perform daily reporting of assigned areas and specimens, public engagement and education, and animal conservation and research. Incumbents must have a strong foundation in animal husbandry and a commitment to positive, collaborative team relationships.

Job Responsibilities:

• Animal Care and Health: Provide the daily care to maintain and enhance the welfare of the Zoo's Family Farm population of domestic and ambassador animals. Order, prepare, and present approved diets. Observe, evaluate, record, and report animal activities, behavior, and physical condition with consideration of patterns and natural history. Ensure the tidiness, hygiene, and maintenance of animal enclosures. Collaborate with veterinary team to promote animal health and nutrition. Train, manually restrain, capture, and/or transport animals to facilitate medical procedures. Administer approved medications and treatments as prescribed.
• Behavioral Husbandry and Welfare: Facilitate and participate in animal training and enrichment programs in alignment with established targets for species behavior and wellbeing. Perform welfare assessments for assigned animal population in accordance with established standards.
• Facilities Management: Ensure the tidiness, hygiene, and maintenance of service areas and surroundings. Operate and maintain animal life-support systems and environmental controls. Identify and report maintenance and pest control needs.
• Public Engagement: Proactively engage with volunteers and visitors to enhance their experience. Conduct formal and informal public presentations, including animal care, natural history, conservation, and research. Assist in the training of educators, tour guides, and volunteers. Maintain positive, collaborative relationships with maintenance, grounds, creative, and all other Zoo departments.
• Administration and Records: Report and maintain records (e.g., animal feeding habits, diets, breeding behavior, health status, physical conditions, enrichment, and training). Complete and maintain copies of work orders and other records regarding the operation and use of the animal area facilities.
• Professional Collaboration: Establish positive rapport within mission-parallel professional organizations, participating in associated conferences and training opportunities. Collaborate with other zoos, researchers, and wildlife organizations to advance the Zoo's mission and animal programs.
• Perform all other duties as assigned: Examples include but are not limited to: serve on animal emergency response team, provide backup coverage for animal commissary operations, support security and safety programs, and serve on committees and parallel teams.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Six (6) months of animal care experience in a Zoo, working farm, or comparable professional setting.
• Basic knowledge of all related computer and software application, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Basic knowledge of Zoological Information Management Systems (ZIMS).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds; ability to push and pull up to 25 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid United States Driver's License.
• Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

NOTE: This original application is open to permanent residents of the United States. Appointee must establish residency in the state of Wisconsin within six months of start date and maintain such residency during incumbency. In accordance with Section 11, Rule 3 of the Civil Service Rules a non-competitive examination will be held for this position. The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of Human Resources.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.

• Milwaukee, WI, USA