Seasonal Browse Keeper

Description

Job Title:  Seasonal Browse Keeper 

FLSA Status: Non-exempt  

Hours: 3-6 Moths Full-Time  

About the role:   

The Nutrition Department at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is comprised of a Nutrition Laboratory, a centralized Animal Commissary, and a Browse Team. Together, all of these areas work to make sure that every animal at the Zoo and Safari Park is provided with a nutritionally complete diet that encourages engagement in natural feeding behaviors. The Browse Team is responsible for collecting and distributing browse to meet the specialized dietary and behavioral needs of all the zoo’s browsing herbivores, as well as preserving adequate browse to supply these animals through the winter months. Work hours for this position are typically Monday-Friday from 7am-4pm, with occasional Saturdays. This position reports to the Nutrition Manager with daily activities directed by the Browse Team Lead.  

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):  

• Assist the Browse Coordinator with the maintenance of all browse garden areas (Safari Park and zoo grounds) including but not limited to: watering, weeding, and mulching.  

• Assist the Browse Coordinator, Horticulture, and Animal Crews with the collection and distribution of browse to animal areas including harvesting from off-grounds locations. This includes identifying approved and toxic browse. 

• Operate equipment according to safe use guidelines, including, but not limited to vehicle with trailer, string trimmer, chainsaw, and hydraulic press. 

• Assist with planting new browse gardens within zoo grounds. 

• Maintain records of browse activities and assist with browse-related nutritional studies as needed. 

• Preserve and store browse through freezing or ensiling processes. 

• Assist with unloading and stacking hay. 

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Familiarity with basic tree identification skills preferred. 

• A college degree in a related field is preferred. 

• Strong communication skills, strong work ethic, self-motivated and able to work both independently and as a team  

Candidates might be required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative TB test, Covid-19 test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.  

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:  

• Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays and some week night programs.  

• Must be able to walk long distances across the zoo. 

• Must be able to work under all weather conditions. 

• Must be able to stand for most of the work day. 

• Must be able to sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach above head and climb.  

• Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 80 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.  

Employee Benefits:  

Eligible employees at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium are provided a wide range of benefits. Throughout the hiring process we will provide you with more benefit details and which ones apply to your role.  

Full-Time  

• 401(k) savings plan.  

• Flexible spending account.  

• Medical insurance.  

• Dental insurance.  

• Vision insurance.  

• Employee assistance program.  

• Life insurance.  

• Long-term disability.  

• Voluntary term life insurance.  

• Vacation, sick leave and paid-time off (PTO) accrual.  

• Uniforms are provided.  

• Free annual tickets for rides.  

• The benefits below also apply to full-time staff.  

Part-Time  

• Free Zoo and  Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari membership for you and your immediate family.  

• Employee discounts.  

• Behind-the-scenes sneak peek at new exhibits.  

DISCLAIMER  

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.   

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.