• Job Description

  Req#: 3458329

  Based on our internal equity review process, the starting hourly wage for this position will be $16.65 per hour

  Work where you play!
  Join our team at Metro Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
  
  Metro Parks Tacoma (MPT) is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. The system is comprised of many different park facilities that offer residents a variety of recreational opportunities. From waterfront access to local neighborhood parks to large regional facilities and attractions, the MPT system is both a local community asset and regional destination.
  
  OUR CORE VALUES
  These eight core values will guide future decisions, business and operations, and the manner in which MPT treats staff, customers and the community:
  •Innovation •Excellence •Equity •Inclusiveness •Sustainability •Accountability •Safety •Fun
  
  POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM
  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 ensure 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 in the Tropical Reef and Pacific Seas Aquariums at PDZA.

  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.

  Under the direction of a General or assigned Curator and the assigned Assistant Curator or area Staff Biologist, perform a variety of semi-skilled duties involved in the care, observation, maintenance, propagation and management of assigned aquarium animal species and exhibits with the presentation of such species to the general public in an educational and attractive manner.
  

  • Clean animal exhibits and holding areas to assure the health of animals and the presentation of the species in an attractive environment; remove animal fecal and other material on a regular basis.
  • Prepare, store and distribute food according to established amounts, types and diets; monitor feeding habits and report any changes or abnormalities; monitor food levels to assure sufficient quantities.

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology or related field desired
  • Experience in the operation and maintenance of aquarium systems
  • Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record
  • Ability to obtain valid First Aid/CPR certification within probationary period

  HOURS:
  Part time, maximum of 29hr/wk

  Hours and days per week may vary.
  
  ENVIRONMENT:
  Indoor and outdoor environment.
  Adverse weather conditions.
  Cold water while interacting with Fish & Invertebrates.

  PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
  Lifting and carrying heavy objects or animals weighing up to 80 pounds.
  Pushing. Climbing. Walking.
  Kneeling and crouching to work with and feed animals.
  Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools.

  HAZARDS:
  Exposure to potentially dangerous and sick animals.
  Exposure to animal fecal.
  Chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise.
  Contact with irate visitors.
  
  METRO PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
  
  MPT employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
  
  MPT is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource (253) 305-1089 or HR@tacomaparks.com.
  
  Employment is subject to a national background check.
  
  This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.
  
  
  

• About the company

  Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a 723-acre wildlife park located in the town of Eatonville, Washington, United States.

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