Facility
Potawatomi Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Potawatomi Zoo is home to more than 400 animals and exceeds the standards for Zoos in animal care and quality of life, conservation, and education programs. Potawatomi Zoo is the oldest zoo in Indiana and since its humble origin as a duck pond, it has become a focus of fun and educational activity in the Michiana area.
We are seeking a super enthusiastic, exceptional person to work in our giraffe area and help build our giraffe program through the development of an extensive training program. The Giraffe Keeper is a motivated, dedicated team player who is willing to not only help with our giraffe program but work with other species as needed. This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week with competitive pay that will be based on the level of experience. Benefits are available after eligibility requirements are met.
The ideal candidate should be an individual who is passionate about animal welfare and providing the highest quality of life for the animals in their charge. They will be a critical thinker who is open to creative and innovative ideas. They would be a personable, proactive, self-motivated, independent, problem solvers, that is able to work with intermittent guidance and be an excellent communicator. The successful candidate will work effectively with all levels of staff, helping to advance the Mission and Vision of the zoo, and embrace the Potawatomi Zoo SPIRIT.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Responsible for the daily observation of animal health and welfare.
• Maintains records on animal health and behavior, exhibits, diets, vet care, enrichment/training, etc. Assists with animal health procedures.
• Maintains exhibit materials and landscaping, such as caring for plants in and around exhibits, cleaning and installing perches, nest boxes, bedding materials, feed containers, and decorative materials and understands how these will be used by animals and their safety.
• Maintaining and inspecting areas to meet AZA and USDA standards.
• Cleans, disinfects, and checks integrity of animal exhibits and structures daily to ensure safety and welfare of animals, guests, and staff in accordance with established guidelines.
• Reports maintenance issues and potential safety concerns to the manager; performing minor repairs and improvements of exhibits under supervision.
• Prepares prescribed diets and follows feeding instructions noting consumption and conformance of foods; thoroughly cleans and disinfects feed trough, bowls, and other containers; unloads food shipments.
• Assists in the capture and restraint of animals, which may or may not be sedated
• Daily involvement in improving the quality of life of the animals by developing and implementing behavior modification and enrichment programs to elicit species-typical behaviors.
• Participates in the animal training program for the purpose of improving animal welfare and/or public demonstrations.
• Assist in the training and evaluation of new keepers and interns.
• Assists in the presentation of educational programs and participates in daily guest interactions.
• Responsible for public safety.
• Assists with other tasks as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in an animal-related field
• Giraffe experience and training is mandatory for consideration
• Possess good verbal and written communication skills
• Must possess a valid Indiana or Michigan driver’s license
• Current TB test and fully COVID vaccinated
• Able to stand for up to 8 hours
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a routine basis
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near potentially dangerous animals, moves around mechanical parts and works in all types of weather conditions. The employee frequently works in precarious places and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the work requires considerable walking, prolonged standing, lifting up to 50 pounds routinely and working outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Compensation and benefits
$14.50 – $17.50/hr based on experience
Application instructions
Please submit resume and cover letter to Jami Richard, General Curator at hr@potawatomizoo.org
Potawatomi Zoo
500 S Green Lawn Ave
South Bend, IN 46615
Visit our website (http://Potawatomizoo.org)