WILDLIFE KEEPER
Opening Date:
September 23, 2024
Closing Date:
October 04, 2024
Location:
Maine Wildlife Park-Gray
Position #:
01850-0041
Position Type:
Permanent Full Time
Class Code:
9331
Grade/Salary:
Grade 14 - $35,443.20 - $46,800.00 Per Year
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position is responsible for providing quality care and enrichment to non-releasable captive species of wildlife and to educate park visitors about MDIFW wildlife management programs and projects as well as information about living with wildlife in Maine.
Job responsibilties include:
- Feeding, watering and general care of all wild birds and mammals at the park.
- Designing and maintaining behavioral enrichment/husbandry activities and programs for assigned animals.
- Training and supervises seasonal Assistant Gamekeepers and volunteers.
- Planning and delivering presentations to the public and engaging park visitors and discussing animal natural history, habitats, and status of animals in Maine.
- Preparing and maintaining accurate detailed records and logs, inspecting, cleaning and maintain animal enclosures.
- Assisting with the exhibit design process and implementation, as needed.
- Creating diet plans and prepares food for assigned animals.
- Assisting with the physical transfer of animals and assists with animal care activities such as physical examinations.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Weekend and holiday work is required on a regular monthly rotation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: At least 2 years education and/or any equivalent combination of training and experience in wildlife conservation, working with and providing care to confined animals (excluding personal pets), and associated facilities maintenance.
Preference will be given to applicants who have experience or education in professional care of captive wildlife, and/or experience in developing and leading talks or presentations related to wildlife ecology and natural science. Ideal candidate will have proven strong and effective communication skills and the ability to organize and prioritize work with limited experience.
HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter, and current Resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.
If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter and Resume, before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.
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No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
- Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($358.08 annual value).
- Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
- Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
- Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
- Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.
