Petting Zoo Attendant

Job Description

Petting Zoo Attendant | Hattiesburg Convention Commission

The Tone:
This is a part-time attendant position at the Hattiesburg Zoo, which is operated under the Hattiesburg Convention Commission in Hattiesburg, MS. The Commission is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Hattiesburg residents and visitors through various community assets, including the zoo. This particular role is fundamental to the daily scientific care of zoo animals and the meticulous maintenance of exhibits and facilities. The Attendant contributes significantly to both the aesthetic appeal of the zoo and the quality of guest interactions, helping to fulfill the zoo’s mission of education and conservation.

The TL;DR
• Role: Attendant
• Type: Part-time
• Location: In-person, Hattiesburg, MS

• Team: Reports directly to the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Mission: Ensures the health, safety, and proper presentation of zoo animals and their environments while actively engaging with guests to enhance their educational experience.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Animal Oversight: Monitor and report any abnormal animal behavior or health issues directly to the animal care supervisor, contributing to the animals’ welfare.
• Exhibit Maintenance: Collaborate with animal keepers on cleaning animal holdings, maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of exhibits, and performing general zoo grounds upkeep.
• Guest Interaction Zones: Operate and supervise specific areas such as the petting zoo and wallaby walkthrough, enforcing all established rules to ensure the safety of both guests and animals, and escalating issues to the animal keeper in charge.
• Educational Engagement: Assist with various zoo events and educational programs, which may include participating in animal presentations, facilitating guest experiences like sloth encounters or giraffe feedings, and contributing to birthday parties or field trips.
• Facility Care: Regularly clean and disinfect animal exhibits and structures, daily checking their integrity to ensure the safety and welfare of animals, guests, and staff, and performing minor repairs and preventative maintenance.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Entry-Level. Candidates should possess a foundational understanding of animal care practices, exhibit management, and the principles of public interaction relevant to a zoo or similar setting.
• Experience: No specific years of prior experience are explicitly required. Candidates must possess and retain a valid Driver’s License and meet all eligibility requirements to operate company vehicles while conducting business.
• Skills: Capability to perform work outdoors in all types of weather conditions and safely lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds; strong ability to comprehend and consistently follow both oral and written instructions; proficiency in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public, including providing friendly keeper chats and public encounters; basic knowledge of behavioral management and operant conditioning as applied within a zoo environment; successful completion of a current TB test.
• Bonus: Actively pursuing a degree in a field relatable to animal care (such as zoology, biology, or veterinary science) or possessing at least one year of professional experience in another zoo, veterinary clinic, or similar animal care profession is preferred.