General Summary:
The Animal Keeper 1 (Primates) will provide
care and maintenance of the animals and their associated exhibits and holding
areas. The Animal Keeper is responsible
for working collaboratively with other keepers and coworkers to achieve
departmental and Zoo-wide initiatives.
The Animal Keeper will report to their assigned Area Manager and the
General Curator. Additionally, the Animal Keeper will support to Zoo's conservation, sustainability, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.
Essential Functions:
Primary Function:
- Provides basic daily
husbandry, food and water for animals in assigned area in accordance with
department and area standards
- Observes behavior and
physical condition of animals, and reports concerns to area supervisor
- Transfers animals between
enclosures in accordance with department and area standards, and follows
established safety guidelines
- Provides approved enrichment
to animals in compliance with behavior team requirements
- Participates in approved
training programs in compliance with behavior team requirements
- Maintains daily electronic
records to track animal behavior and well-being over time
- Attends annual welfare
assessments and submits regular welfare evaluations
- Participates in data
collection for approved behavior and research projects
- Participates in animal
medical procedures as directed by the area supervisor
- Participates in animal escape
drills and incidents as directed by the recapture coordinator
- Conducts daily inspections of
animal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings for structural defects
and potential safety issues, and reports concerns to area supervisor
- Performs minor repairs and
maintenance of animal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings as needed
- Maintains cleanliness of
animal facilities, area buildings, public spaces and back of house areas
- Implements pest control
measures as needed, and in accordance with the Zoo’s pest control program
- Complies with all AZA
standards and USDA regulations
- Adheres to all policies and
procedures of the department and the Zoo
- May train new staff on daily
area routines with oversight from higher level keepers or manager.
Communication (Internal and External):
- Completes daily records for
tracking animal health, animal behavior, enrichment and training
- Reviews area records and
updates in order to stay informed of new developments and changes in assigned
area
- Checks Zoo email regularly
for updates from department and Zoo management
- Provides area supervisor with
timely updates on animal concerns
- Actively participates in team
meetings, discussions and debriefings
- Adheres to the Zoo’s
communication policy regarding social media posts and confidentiality
- Enhances the guest experience
by actively engaging with visitors
- Supports the Zoo’s mission by
sharing the organization’s conservation messages with visitors and the general
public
Management of Resources (financial, human resources,
facilities):
- Proper storage and use of
animal food items and animal medications
- Proper use and care of Zoo radios
and cell phones, and timely reporting of issues
- Safe use of Zoo vehicles and
timely reporting of issues, including any accidents
- Maintenance and safe use of
tools and minor equipment, including kitchen knives
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s
degree in zoology, biology, or a related field of study strongly preferred.
Experience/Training:
- At least one year of animal
care experience with applicable species preferred
- Zoo experience preferred
(paid or unpaid)
- Understanding of current
trends in animal training and behavior management
- Able to collect and collate
data for studying animal behavior
- Familiarity with electronic
communication and record-keeping
- Must possess a valid driver’s
license
Traits Desirable:
- Ability
to work with a wide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economic
backgrounds;
- Ability
to operate both independently and as part of a team in a productive,
respectful, and efficient manner with proper time management skills;
- Extremely
well organized, self-directed, collaborative, and detail oriented; and,
- Possess
a positive attitude and a general philosophy/outlook in line with the Zoo’s
mission.
Equipment:
- Must
be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer,
telephone, radio, and vehicles, hand tools, animal restraint and capture
devices, incubators, gardening/carpentry tools and machinery, scales, etc.
Working Conditions:
- Must
be able to lift 75 pounds with assistance and 50 pounds unassisted as needed;
- Must
be able to climb a ladder carrying up to 15 pounds;
- Must
be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 25 pounds frequently
and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry,
push, pull or otherwise move objects.
- Physical
demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; Must be able to stand and
remain active for an eight-hour shift; must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch,
crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
- Must
be able to travel large areas of the Zoo on foot as needed;
- Ability to work a flexible
schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
- Must be able to work in an
outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including
heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
- Exposure
to zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack;
- Exposure
to potential environmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain, and
insect bites/stings; and,
- Initial
tuberculosis (TB) test and physical required;
Benefits:
- We offer an excellent benefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
- Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance.
- 401(k) with employer match.
Disclaimer:
The
statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work
being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are
not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties
and/or skills required of all personnel so classified. Therefore,
management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or
different tasks be performed when circumstances change.
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