Seasonal Animal Keeper Applicant Pool - Primate Department
Positions Available: 2
Description: Qualified individuals selected for consideration will be placed in an applicant pool for a period of up to 1 year. They may be contacted for seasonal positions as they become available during that time.
Summary: This position encompasses skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures, and related facilities in the Primate Department. Animals within the area include species of prosimians, monkeys, and apes. Duties may include related tasks and/or unrelated duties as assigned.
Position Details:
- Pay rate is $14.00/hour
- Work Shift: Not to exceed an average of 30 hours per week over the course of employment
- Position requires the deduction of monthly Union dues
- Weekly work schedules and regular off-days are TBD
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Clean animal displays, holding areas, service areas, public sections and grounds
- Complete inspection of all enclosures to ensure the safety of the animal collection
- Identify maintenance issues and correct or repair each as required, reporting non-correctable maintenance issues, including potential safety hazards, to the Head Keeper
- 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 when instructed
- Instruct new personnel in the proper methods of animal care and handling consistent with approved policies and procedures
- Assist in the training, supervision, evaluation of volunteers, interns, and vocational students
- Assist animal health and curatorial staff with animal transport and medication administration
- Provide engaging interactions with guests that inform the public of biodiversity and conservation
- Interact with the public and Zoo staff in a professional and courteous manner
Qualifications - The ideal candidate will:
- Possess or be working towards a bachelor’s degree in an animal related field
- Have demonstrated knowledge and successful experience in animal husbandry with primates
- Show an understanding of operant conditioning and enrichment, or an interest in developing those skillsets where appropriate.
- Demonstrate excellent communication and problem-solving skills, while applying good judgment, to deliver animal care and guest experiences that meet the highest standards
- Have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers (including staff, interns, students and volunteers) and public in a professional manner
- Demonstrate a positive and team-oriented attitude
Key Perks & Benefits:
- Engaging work environment
- Positive team culture
- Complimentary Zoo passes
- Discount on food & retail on Zoo grounds
- Free Metro Bus Pass provided for duration of employment
- Personal & professional development opportunities (career development, education, training, etc.)
To Apply: Please attach cover letter and resume to your online application
Working Conditions: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment drug & nicotine screen, background check & proof of full COVID vaccination, as defined by the CDC. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; bend; climb or balance; lift, grasp; and negotiate stairs and ladders. In addition, the employee may be exposed to Zoonosis, chemicals, and outside weather conditions; Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance; and possess a valid driver’s license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle).
We strive to be an organization that is diverse and reflects the fullness of society. With a strongly held value for an organizational culture characterized by inclusion and belonging, we are committed to equity in all we do. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to our organization’s diversity and who want to walk alongside us in our commitment to inclusion and equity. We are a Queen City Certified/Ellequate Leader in Workplace Equity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
