This is animal caretaker work at the Metropolitan Zoo.

Employees in this class are responsible for the routine feeding and custodial care of a variety of creatures within an assigned area, and assisting superiors in more technical aspects of animal care. Duties include making routine inspections of exhibit areas and cleaning exhibits, preparing food for creatures and observing animals for evidence of veterinary problems. Supervision is received from a superior who provides detailed instructions and reviews work for satisfactory completion of animal caretaking assignments.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Makes routine inspections of assigned exhibit areas; routinely monitors health and safety conditions of creatures; removes harmful foreign objects from exhibit areas; checks to assure exhibit areas are escape proof and that any special devices are in working condition.

Cleans exhibit areas, night sleeping compartments and surrounding area; depending on nature of exhibit, cleans, rakes, scrubs, and applies any necessary sterilizing agents.

Prepares food for creatures; insures that correct portions of food and any additives are weighed or measured as necessary.

Discusses with supervisors any observed peculiarities in behavior, appearance, gait or other conditions which may be early evidence of veterinary problems.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of the custodial care and general habits of typical animals.

Knowledge of the food likes and dislikes of assigned animals.

Some knowledge of the custodial care requirements for keeping a variety of creatures.

Ability and willingness to work with wild, delicate and, occasionally, dangerous creatures.

Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with the public.

Ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of specific custodial and minor veterinary care requirements of assigned creatures.