Heritage Farm Attendant (Seasonal)

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff's Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving the cultural, human, recreational, and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For submitted application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov. Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Heritage Farm Attendant (Seasonal)

Milwaukee County Zoo

Starting Pay Rate: $16.87 - 18.18

Closing Date: 03/19/2026 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Schedule: routine shift hours; occasional overtime, weekends, or shift rotation as needed

Job Summary: The Seasonal Heritage Farm Attendant role ensures AZA-standard welfare for Family Farm animals, handling daily husbandry, habitats, reporting, public engagement/education, and conservation support; requires strong husbandry expertise and collaborative teamwork.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Animal Care and Health: Provide daily care for domestic and ambassador animals; order, prepare, and present approved diets; observe and document behavior, activity, and condition; maintain enclosure hygiene and safety; partner with the veterinary team on health and nutrition; train, restrain, capture, and transport animals for medical procedures; and administer prescribed medications and treatments.
• Behavioral Husbandry and Welfare: Facilitate and participate in speciesspecific training and enrichment aligned with established behavior and welfare targets and perform welfare assessments for assigned animals in accordance with set standards.
• Facilities Management: Maintain tidy, hygienic service areas and adjacent surroundings. Operate and maintain animal life support systems and environmental controls, and promptly identify and report maintenance and pest control needs.
• Public Engagement: Proactively engage volunteers and visitors to enhance the guest experience; deliver formal and informal presentations on animal care, natural history, conservation, and research; assist in training educators, tour guides, and volunteers; and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with maintenance, grounds, creative, and other zoo departments.
• Administration and Records: Document and report animal feeding, diets, breeding behavior, health status, physical condition, enrichment, and training. Complete and maintain work orders and other records related to the operation and use of animal-area facilities.
• Professional Collaboration: Establish strong relationships with mission aligned professional organizations and participate in relevant conferences and training opportunities. Collaborate with peer zoos, researchers, and wildlife organizations to advance the Zoo's mission and animal programs.
• Perform all other duties as assigned: Perform other duties as assigned-such as serving on the animal emergency response team, providing backup coverage for animal commissary operations, supporting security and safety programs, and participating in committees and cross functional teams.

Minimum Requirements:

• Authorized to work in the United States

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Six (6) months of animal care experience in a Zoo, working farm, or comparable professional setting.
• Basic knowledge of all related computer and software application, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Basic knowledge of Zoological Information Management Systems (ZIMS).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds; ability to push and pull up to 25 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid United States Driver's License.
• Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

NOTE: This original application is open to permanent residents of the United States. Appointee must establish residency in the state of Wisconsin within six months of start date and maintain such residency during incumbency. In accordance with Section 11, Rule 3 of the Civil Service Rules a non-competitive examination will be held for this position. The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of Human Resources.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.