ANIMAL
PRESERVE CARETAKER 5440
An employee in this class has responsibility for the
day-to-day proper care, treatment, and handling of domestic and wild birds and
animals and the maintenance of their habitats at a small animal preserve. With the guidance of a Veterinarian, the
employee follows diet and care instruction and may implement specialized diets
for sick, injured, or newborn animals while ensuring the health of all
animals. The incumbent also maintains
sanitary conditions, maintains exhibits, and performs various maintenance
duties. Work is performed without direct
supervision and is reviewed by observation for desired results. Supervision may be exercised over workers
assigned to the project. Does related
work as required.
TYPICAL
WORK ACTIVITIES
Implements daily diet and appropriate
care of domestic and wild birds and animals after consultation with
Veterinarian;
Implements the feeding of and
preparation of food for sick or injured domestic animals;
Keeps inventory of all food on hand,
arranges or supervises arrangement of food storage areas and coolers, and
advises office of supplies needed for ordering;
Monitors acceptance of food by animals
through observation and review of daily reports;
Observes all resident animals daily
for general behavior and feeding patterns;
Notifies Veterinarian of animal injury
or illness and assists in treatment of animals;
Carries out Veterinarian’s orders for
treatment of animals, such as medication, diet, and special care;
May construct animal pens, cages, and
habitats and makes repairs to existing structures;
Assists in moving and carting animals
for shipment;
Maintains a variety of records
regarding animals and the preserve in general;
May provide information to visitors
about resident animals and birds;
May collect and process material for
laboratory tests;
May be required to perform maintenance
duties, such as cleaning animal pens, removing snow from sidewalks, mowing
grass, raking leaves, picking up debris, and moving supplies and equipment.
FULL
PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Working
knowledge of the handling of animals and birds; working knowledge of basic
animal first aid and medication techniques; some knowledge of the causes,
detection and prevention of diseases and injuries associated with resident
wildlife; skill in the care, feeding, handling and medicating of a variety of
wild and domestic animals and birds; skill in the use and care of the tools,
materials and equipment needed to maintain the preserve; ability to understand
and follow oral and written instructions; ability to apply the
dietary and habitat recommendations of a Veterinarian for a variety of wild and
domestic birds and animals; ability to observe animal behavior to identify
problems and determine whether action is necessary; ability to plan and
supervise the work of others; ability to accurately keep simple records; physical
condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from a
standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma
and four (4) years of experience in the care and handling of a variety of
animals in a zoo, animal preserve, laboratory, or farm.
NOTE:
Completed coursework in a relevant field from a college with
federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State may be
substituted for experience at the rate of thirty (30) credits for one (1) year
of experience, up to a maximum of two (2) years.
Possession
of a valid New York State Driver’s License appropriate for preserve vehicles
and maintenance of the license throughout employment in this title.
R
08/02/19
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Non-Competitive