Facility
Zoo Atlanta
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Job Title: Keeper III
Department: Mammals (Elephants)
Reports to: Lead Keepers and Curatorial Staff
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Status: Full-time
Job Purpose:
Zoo Atlanta’s Elephant Team, part of the Mammal Department, currently cares for 1.2 African elephants, meerkats, and naked mole rats. In 2019, Zoo Atlanta opened the new African savanna, which includes a state-of-the-art elephant facility and an expanding elephant program.
Animal keepers are responsible for animal husbandry, including training and enrichment. Additionally, the Zoo’s animal care professionals are responsible for the maintenance of habitats, behind-the-scenes animal areas, and public spaces as assigned. The Elephant Keeper III will report to the Lead Keeper of Elephants. For more information about Zoo Atlanta’s animal, conservation, and research programs visit www.zooatlanta.org
ESSENTIAL DUTIES, SKILLS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Monitor health and behavior of the animal collection and communicate changes to supervisor and veterinary staff. Oversee administration of medications as applicable.
• Maintain a high-performance level of advanced keeper duties including excellent animal care and guest interactions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to form and maintain positive relationships within the work environment.
• Actively participate in the improvement of area policies, procedures and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the collection and the safety of staff and guests with the willingness to provide constructive feedback.
• Support and participate in the coordination of collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection including, but not limited to, training, enrichment, research, and education.
• Complete behavioral management training and utilize operant conditioning techniques.
• Actively foster constructive attitudes and positively participate in a team environment.
• Support Zoo Atlanta and its departments which include marketing, education, veterinary services, facilities, and external department initiatives.
• Demonstrate the ability to coordinate and supervise the activities of interns and volunteers.
• Communicates effectively with supervisory staff and co-workers, both written and orally.
• When possible, actively participate in workshops, seminars, activities, and conferences aimed at continually improving job knowledge and professional development.
• Must be willing to fully support Zoo Atlanta’s strategic plan, mission and values, and work with all zoo staff to support these plans.
• Responsible for special projects, procedures, and goals set forth by the area managers.
• Support Zoo Atlanta’s conservation and research initiatives.
• Must be dependable and willing to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to work safely around elephants in a Protected Contact environment.
• Must be open to receiving and giving constructive coaching within the elephant team.
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by management.
Education and Pre-requisites
QUALIFICATIONS:
• A minimum of 5 years’ of prior elephant care experience and/or related animal care experience as determined by Zoo Atlanta is required. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is also preferred.
• Good communication skills, an enthusiasm for interacting with the public and a willingness to give regular talks to guests, special groups, etc.
• Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques is required.
• Must have strong written and oral skills.
• Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.
• Must have the ability to use light power tools after suitable training.
EDUCATION:
• Four-year degree in biology, psychology, or related field is preferred; sufficient relevant experience will be considered.
DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and have the physical ability to perform strenuous work.
MISC:
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment
To apply for this position, please go to our website: zooatlanta.org/About/Careers
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
To apply for this position, please go to our website: zooatlanta.org/About/Careers