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.
Possession of a
valid New York State Driver’s License appropriate for preserve vehicles and
maintenance of the license throughout employment in this title.
R03/23/05
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Non-Competitive
Review 04/11/05