Facility
Brookgreen Gardens
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
About Us
Brookgreen Gardens is a national historic landmark in the heart of South Carolina’s lowcountry that exceptionally blends four mission areas in botanical gardens, art, history, and the environment.
Brookgreen’s Lowcountry Zoo features native species in natural habitats. As an AZA accredited zoo, Brookgreen provides education and leads conservation initiatives related to the non-releasable animals who serve as ambassadors for their species and connect visitors with the natural world.
Position Summary
We currently have an opening for an Animal Keeper. The Animal Keeper is responsible for the safety, health, and well-being of animals through routine cleaning and maintenance of enclosures, feeding, observation, and handling of animals. Examples of duties to include but are not limited to:
• Preparing diets, feeding procedures; documents qualities, orders feed and other supplies as directed.
• Makes a daily inventory of the animal collections, provides daily assessments of the health, welfare, and behavior of the animals, and records these assessments in the zookeeper logbook. Records and reports any unusual condition regarding the animal’s health to the supervisor. Prepares other written reports as required.
• Participates in capturing, restraining, and moving animals; administers medication and dietary supplements as directed.
• Cleans and maintains the areas within each exhibit and the adjacent public areas.
• Cleans and maintains the zoo commissary and other animal support facilities and equipment.
• Participates in the animal enrichment program.
• Gives guest presentations (i.e., Meet the Animals Program, sidewalk interactions with guests, animal ambassador) both at the zoo and in outreach situations.
Education and Pre-requisites
Minimum Qualifications
A high school diploma and five years of appropriate experience in a zoo, wildlife, veterinary or related institution will be considered. An associate degree in biology or a related field and two years of appropriate experience in a zoo, wildlife, veterinary, or related institution is preferred. Strong consideration will be given to applicants who have hands-on experience working in an AZA zoological facility with wolves, bears, or aquatic systems. General knowledge of the animals native to the Southeastern United States; knowledge of animals in captive situations, knowledge of proper animal care and handling techniques, experience with animal restraint, ability to work comfortably and effectively with peers and management; demonstrated commitment to excellence in work products and relationships with co-workers.
Compensation and benefits
Pre-employment screening including drug screen and background check is required upon hire. A South Carolina driver’s license is required.
Brookgreen Gardens offers excellent benefits including, medical, dental, vision, disability, life, 403(b), and employee assistance programs as well as: complimentary annual membership for employee and household family members, complimentary entrance to Huntington State Park, complimentary tickets for friends and family, and discounts on tickets, food venues, and our Keepsakes gift shop.
Application instructions
To Apply
Please visit the Brookgreen Gardens website, http://www. brookgreen. org for an application. Submit application and current resume with 3 references to Brookgreen Gardens, Human Resources Department, PO Box 3368, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, fax (843)235-3069, or email HR @ Brookgreen.org.
Brookgreen Gardens is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.