Description: This is a full-time (40 hours per week with benefits) Union keeper position, which is subject to the successful completion of a probationary (or trial period) and the deduction of union dues. Regular off-days will be determined upon hire but will fall between Tuesday thru Thursday.
Summary: This position encompasses skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures, and related facilities in Night Hunters. Night Hunters offers a diverse collection of animals including Malayan tiger, cougar, snow leopards, various small carnivores as well as pottos, aardvark, vampire bats, Indian flying fox and three-banded armadillo. Duties may include related tasks and/or unrelated duties as assigned.
Duties include:
- Clean animal displays, holding areas, service areas, public sections and grounds
- Complete inspection of all enclosures to ensure the safety of the animals
- Identify maintenance issues and correct or repair each as required, reporting non-correctable maintenance issues, including potential safety hazards, to the Team Leader and/or Zoological Manager/Curator
- Observe general animal health and behavior, on a daily basis, and report any abnormal circumstances to a supervisor
- Maintain records of health, behavior, enrichment, operant conditioning and visitor engagement
- Prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures for the animal collection
- Perform operant conditioning and enrichment programs in assigned areas
- Assist in the training, supervision, evaluation of volunteers, interns, and vocational students, as needed
- Assist animal health and curatorial staff with animal handling, capture, restraint, transport and medication administration
- Develop and support visitor engagement programs
- Interact with the public and Zoo staff in a professional and courteous manner
- Make decisions consistent with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden policies and procedures when required
- Perform daily duties in all sections of assigned department as required
- Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
Qualifications:
- Demonstration of excellent communication and problem-solving skills, while applying good judgment, to deliver animal care and guest experiences that meet the highest standards
- Demonstration of knowledge and successful experience in animal husbandry, operant conditioning, and understanding of modern zoological practices
- The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers (including staff, interns, students and volunteers)
- Exhibiting tolerance, trustworthiness, and accountability
- Consistently work in a problem-solving capacity within the department (planning ahead, communicate effectively, support team initiatives)
- Proven team player with the ability to work independently.
- Exhibiting reliability and adaptability
- A degree in the biological sciences or related field, desirable
- 3 years of keeper experience in an AZA institution preferred, with at least 1 year experience with carnivores
- Experience with big cats and small carnivores preferred
***Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered***
Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; climb or balance and grasp objects. Some surfaces may be wet, sick and/or uneven. In addition, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions; Must be able to lift & move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance; possess a valid driver’s license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle).
Position Details: This is full-time, overtime-eligible, and eligible for the Zoo’s benefit programs for Union employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including affordable medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off banks; company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes.
Starting Pay Rate will range between $21.15 - $25.06/hour, depending upon experience and qualifications.