Under supervision, this position will provide the daily care and maintenance of the living zoological collection at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park ensuring Department, Division and Park goals and objectives as well as Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements and objectives are met. This includes educating Park visitors and interpretation of wildlife and wildlife issues.

How does it get done?

This position will make daily decisions to best ensure the health, welfare and physical and psychological well being of the living zoological collection at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park. Self directed to the extent that the employee has the authority to make daily decisions based on the immediate needs of the animals under their care. This includes coordinating with the veterinarian. Safety to staff is a priority. These judgments and decisions effect work performance and have a direct major impact on the Park's operations. AZA and USDA goals and requirements must be met as well as OSHA, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and New Mexico Game and Fish (NMGF) requirements. The animals in the collection must be fed, watered, observed and the exhibit and holding areas cleaned on a daily basis. Environmental enrichment is given to the animal collection to promote physical and psychological well being.