Meadowlark Theater Lead Keeper

Facility

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Job Title: Meadowlark Theater Lead Keeper (Interactive Animal Programs)

Date Position Opens: 08/31/2018

Date Position Closes: 09/14/2018

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours: Full-time

Number of Positions: 1

Summary:

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a Lead Zoo Keeper for the Meadowlark Theater. The emphasis of this position is primarily focused on the delivery of free-flight bird shows, including the daily husbandry and behavioral management of all the animals (primarily birds) that encompass the Meadowlark Theater. The Lead Keeper assists the Meadowlark Theater Supervisor in the daily management of the Meadowlark Theater. In addition, the candidate will be expected to be highly proficient in operant conditioning, and capable of the presentation of a variety of animal species to the public as needed for daily encounters, demonstrations, and shows. This position has a high level of public and animal interaction. This position reports to the Meadowlark Theater Supervisor within the Interactive Animal Programs department.

Responsibilities and Duties (include but not limited to):

Assist the Meadowlark Theater Supervisor with the day-to-day management of keeper staff.
Assist the Meadowlark Theater Supervisor in developing & guiding staff to create positive and meaningful interactions with the public.
Daily husbandry, training and enrichment of the animal collection (including psitticines, birds of prey, corvids).
Presentation of animals to the public in formal and informal settings. This includes formal animal shows and informal animal encounters.
Develop and implement animal training techniques with animal collection to exhibit natural behaviors on cue, aide in medical procedures, and improve interaction with the public.
Assist with student education efforts including training interns and speaking to classes, when assigned.
Assist zoo guests and facilitate their needs regardless of relationship to the IAP area.
Assist with the maintenance of the area building and structures, including but not limited to cleaning, painting, light construction, etc.
Assist with the maintenance of the area grounds including but not limited to plant care, raking, weeding, trash collection, etc.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in an AZA accredited institution or related organization.
Operant conditioning experience required.
Experience training & working with a variety of free-flighted birds.
Animal husbandry experience required.
Public speaking or theatrical experience preferred.

Education:

B.S in biology, animal science, behavior or related field is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Works well with all types of people.
Evident knowledge of free-flight bird training, training techniques, theory and application.
Excellent communication skills.
Creative and positive attitude.
Effective and engaging public speaker.
Strong desire to engage the public and train animals.
Self-motivated.
Have patience and sense of humor.
Basic computer proficiency in Word, Excel and Power Point.
Ability to lift 50 Lb.
Able to stand for long periods and work in inclement weather conditions.
Ability to drive and operate motor vehicles and hold a valid State Driver’s License.
Current Tuberculosis Test is required.
Work has exposure to physical and zoonotic disease risk.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits