Facility
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Lead Animal Ambassador Keeper
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Animal Keeper to join our Ambassador Animal team! Lead Animal Keepers train and mentor staff, volunteers, and interns on how to care for our mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Our animals get great medical care, proper diets, and clean exhibit spaces. Lead Keepers demonstrate strong leadership skills for their team and maintain working relationships with other departments. We are looking for leaders with at least 6 years’ experience working with animals who can continue to guide staff, volunteers, and interns on facilitating animal care while strengthening the skills and knowledge of the people working with those animals.
About Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium consists of a 1.5-million-gallon Aquarium Adventure showcasing 35,000 animals and our immersive Wildlife Galleries sharing the story of America’s most significant conservationists throughout history and today. In 2022, Wonders of Wildlife became accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Accreditation signifies our exemplary standards for animal welfare, scientific education, and staff training. Created by noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris, the 350,000-square-foot experience celebrates people who hunt, fish, and act as stewards of the land and water. Located next to Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri the campus is a centerpiece of America’s Conservation Capital in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains. Wonders of Wildlife has been voted “Best New Attraction in America” and “America’s Best Aquarium” by the readers of USA TODAY. For more information, visit www.wondersofwildlife.org.
A day in the life of a Keeper
Lead Keepers are primarily focused on the day-to-day management of the team and assigned exhibits. They will ensure daily tasks are completed by the team including TRACKS entry and chores, first step in approval of diets, enrichment, husbandry changes and work order requests. Lead Keepers will organize daily and weekly operations of the team’s projects and goals, including creating and maintenance of their areas standard operating procedures. Participates in Vet Rounds weekly and Animal Welfare Meetings quarterly and follows up on welfare concerns in a timely fashion. They also aid in creating Action Plans for welfare concerns and ensures plan is followed with the team.
Lead Keepers also assists in departmental hiring for their assigned team and manages the Internship program for their assigned area, including hiring and training of new interns. They are the first point of contact for staff who need guidance with personal issues or other problems and is considered the point person for the team and need to maintain a cooperative attitude and working relationships with colleagues.
Education and Pre-requisites
• BS in biology or related field or equivalent experience.
• 6 years of experience in a facility working with captive mammal, birds, fresh/saltwater fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates.
• Extensive knowledge of the disposition, habits, food requirements and cleaning needs of a diverse animal collection.
• General knowledge of wildlife management, conservation, hunting, fishing, education, and public speaking preferred.
• Working knowledge of operant conditioning, environmental enrichment, and Raptor husbandry.
Compensation and benefits
Full Time employees receive Store/Attraction employee discounts, Medical, Vision, Dental, LTD, 401(k), Company Paid Life Insurance and STD, and Paid Time Off.
Application instructions
For more information and to apply, click the link below: https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/wondersofwildlife/jobs/3243117-705835