Facility
San Diego Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Keeper will support San Diego Zoo Global’s mission of saving species worldwide by overseeing all aspects of the safe care and handling of an assigned animal collection. This position reports to the Lead or Supervisor.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
• Prepares food and water for exhibit animals
• Loads and unloads food from trucks
• Feeds exhibit animals
• Administers prescribed medication and keeps feeding records
• Observes assigned animals
• Reports abnormal conditions to superiors
• Cleans exhibit areas, pools, animal sleeping areas and service areas
• Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers
• Provides species-appropriate enrichment to assigned animals
• Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals
• Responds to questions from the public concerning exhibits
• Provides exhibit security
• Participates in capturing, incapacitating and moving animals
• Participates in and supports animal training programs
• Assists medical staff in treating animals
• Performs minor or routine maintenance on exhibit enclosures
• Reports maintenance needs
• Operates a variety of light and medium equipment
Safety: Must be able to safely manage the daily care of non-domesticated wild animals representing multiple dangerous species. This requires the knowledge of and ability to follow SOPs in each animal area.
Decision-making: Must have independent and critical thinking ability to respond appropriately to expected and unexpected animal care situations. Must be able to problem solve based on experience and observation and must be able to follow proper procedures.
Flexibility/Adaptability: Must be able to quickly process and respond to novel situations with professionalism and clear judgment. Must be able to accept irregular shift times, last minute schedule changes, variance in workload, and changing of daily tasks. Must be able to respond appropriately to the collection animals’ dynamic social and physical states.
Professionalism: Employees are expected to abide by the SDZG Rules of Engagement. Must foster a positive work environment that promotes trust and integrity. Must be able to accept responsibility and be accountable. Must make decisions that support the goals of the organization.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Qualified applicants will be responsible for all aspects of daily animal care, maintenance of exhibits and plants, data collection and record keeping. Knowledge and/or experience with husbandry for a diverse group of mammal species is required. Experience with hoofstock and large carnivore experience in an AZA accredited institution or equivalent specialized experience is required. Strong communication skills and ability to work well with others is necessary. A Life Science degree or equivalent specialized training is required. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds, climb a ladder 20 feet or higher and perform overhead work. Applicants must be available to work any of the seven days of the week with the possibility of a late shift. A valid driver license and in good standing is required.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management, or other related field preferred
Valid driver license in good standing
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Animal behavior
Animal biology and zoology
Care, feeding and handling of wild animals
Safety practices around wild animals
Techniques for restraining or capturing wild animals
Public Speaking
Deal tactfully and courteously with others
Adhere to the organization’s policies, procedures and regulations
Competently perform the essential functions outlined above
SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Family Passes
Complimentary Tickets
Local and In-House Discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellness Program
403b Plan
Pension Plan
IMPORTANT DETAILS
Location: San Diego Zoo
Duration: Year round
Positions available:1
Union Position: $23.22
Candidates must be available for an interview if contacted. Full job description available upon request.
THIS EMPLOYER PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL IS A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL IS AN EEO/AA/DISABILITY/PROTECTED VETERAN EMPLOYER – San Diego Zoo Global makes every effort to ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals and abides by EEO and nondiscrimination provisions of all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzgcareers@sandiegozoo.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.
Education and Pre-requisites
Not specified.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
Not specified.