Facility

Lindsay Wildlife Experience

Closing Date

Description

Lindsay Wildlife Experience seeks a self-motivated, flexible and responsible individual capable of supporting the daily operations of the Animal Encounters (AE) Department. The AE staff are expected to work with a wide variety of animals, including birds of prey, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. The AE staff help support Lindsay’s interpretive program, participating in daily public programming and working alongside the Education Department to provide a high-quality guest experience.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Work with Curator, veterinary staff, animal keeper staff, animal husbandry volunteers and interns to ensure the highest standards of animal care
Ensure compliance with USDA and Fish & Wildlife regulations
Participate in daily husbandry, including handling, enrichment, training using operant conditioning and digital record keeping
Participation in public programming using live animals; including daily exhibit hall programming and events on and off-site
Facility maintenance (cleaning, equipment upkeep, organizational projects, maintaining naturalistic exhibits)
Accurate observation, evaluation and documentation of animal behaviors
Maintain excellent written and verbal communication with co-workers, manager, director, and veterinary staff
Work in coordination with the other departments to represent Lindsay and its mission in a professional manner and with high quality customer service
Work with venomous reptiles
Assigned as a primary animal keeper for a group of animal ambassadors based on experience
Responsible for developing and training of assigned animals and evaluating all activities with regards to husbandry, medical, enrichment, handling and public presentations
Training of volunteers and interns on daily departmental tasks
Acting as a keeper mentor for interns participating in our Animal Keeper internship program
Participate in animal welfare assessments
Scheduling daily husbandry assignments for both staff and volunteers
Assist with managing departmental supplies and major projects
Mentor Apprentice Animal Keepers, Keepers I and II in their professional development. This includes topics such as: exhibit enhancement, USDA, behavioral husbandry and training, animal welfare, etc.
Discuss and approve operant conditioning plans with other Animal Keepers for ambassadors within the collection
Be the point of contact in the absence of the Curator of Animal Encounters

Education and Pre-requisites

QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be 18 years of age or older
Have a valid driver’s license
Have a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in zoology, biology, or a related field required
Have a minimum of 3 years of full-time paid experience in animal care is required and/or combination education and experience in an applied zoo keeping-focused program
Experience handling rabies vectors and venomous reptiles preferred, pre-exposure rabies vaccination or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire preferred
Have at least 2 years of experience handling birds of prey including but not limited to: owls, hawks, falcons, golden and bald eagles
Have experience with public speaking as it relates to informal environmental education is preferred
Have experience training wild/exotic animals using operant conditioning
Ability to manage multiple and complex responsibilities at the same time
Have excellent communication skills with staff, volunteers, and guests
Must be able to work independently and as part of a team of both staff and volunteers
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word/Excel and Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, etc.)
Must be willing to work some holidays and weekends
Must be able to sustain prolonged bending, kneeling, standing, and lifting up to 50 pounds
Have volunteer managerial experience (preferred). Does not have to be in a zoological setting
Experience in researching, writing, and presenting ecological, biological, and environmental conservation topics to an audience of diverse ages
Have exceptional interpretive skills
Have demonstrated a high level of problem solving and critical thinking skills
Possess the characteristics of an Animal Care professional demonstrating competence, professionalism, teamwork, mutual respect and commitment to the mission of the organization
Have knowledge in the natural history and captive management of wild animals
Have demonstrated the ability to work safely in a variety of areas with minimal training
Take initiative and address issues as they arise

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Medium strength demands include exerting 20-50 pounds occasionally, 10-25 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly. Requires handling, using vision and hearing, and talking
Frequently requires standing, fine dexterity, walking, lifting, sitting, reaching, pushing/pulling, balancing, climbing, and twisting. Occasionally requires carrying, kneeling, foot controls, bending, and crouching
Frequently requires time pressures, frequent change of tasks, irregular schedule/overtime, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working closely with others as part of a team, tedious or exacting work, and noisy/distracting environment. Rarely requires emergency situations
Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards
Some office environment, as well as public exhibit hall programming, and frequent outdoor events and/or outreach sites

Compensation and benefits

HOURS, BENEFITS & COMPENSATION:
Lindsay offers a competitive benefits package including paid sick time, vacation, holidays and 401K eligibility.
Flexibility to work some evenings, early mornings, and special events as needed.
Non-exempt full-time position, 40-hours a week.
Pay: $19-$21

Application instructions

TO APPLY:
To apply for this opportunity, send cover letter, resume, and three references to: jobs@lindsaywildlife.org
Put “Lead Animal Keeper” in the subject line.
No phone calls, please.
Submit all materials in PDF format with your first initial and last name in the document name. Example: JSmith_Resume.pdf
Automatic applications from websites, such as Indeed, will not be considered.
References will not be checked without permission.
Applications are open until position filled, with priority to applicants submitted on or before March 15, 2024
Position set to start in mid April or early May 2024

COVID POLICY:
The Lindsay Wildlife Experience requires all staff and volunteers to be fully vaccinated or to have a valid exemption request.

EEO POLICY STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Lindsay Wildlife Experience to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state or local law.