Closing Date: 06/11/2019
Facility: The Living Desert
Description:
The Living Desert is seeking a qualified individual to join our Animal Department Team as an Animal Care Keeper. This individual will work in a dynamic and innovative team within the following areas; Wildlife Programs, WOW & Village Reptiles. This is a key performance position that requires an outgoing, creative, confident, self-motivated team player who is willing to make a significant commitment to the organization. This position requires an enthusiastic individual with strong guest engagement skills, good stage presence, and the ability to work in a fast-paced labor-intensive environment. This individual must value fun and have prior experience with animals in a show setting.
Successful candidates will demonstrate exceptional public speaking and performance skills to conduct formal and informal presentations, including a full scripted amphitheater show. This person will be essential within the area team in delivering uncompromising excellence in animal care, welfare and guest engagement.
Position Summary:
Reports to Animal Care Curator. This position also works on a regular basis as an Animal Care Keeper primarily focused but not limited to the amphitheater shows and outreach.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Specific Keeper Tasks:
• Perform cleaning and maintenance of assigned habitats and make minor repairs when needed.
• Participates with the daily behavioral husbandry, operant conditioning and enrichment of animal collection.
• Daily cleaning of animal habitats, service areas and holding units, and support areas utilizing various tools, instruments, disinfectants; and with the ability to do so safely.
• Diet preparation, feeding and restocking of feed supplies as needed and as prescribed.
• General maintenance of habitats, service/support areas and holding units such as: fence/enclosure repair, decoration, mister system, automatic drinkers, shade cloth, fill holes etc.
• Maintain assigned areas and holding units to ensure animal, keeper and visitor safety, and in good appearance for public viewing at all times.
• Performs in daily shows and presentations both on and off site.
General Skills:
• General knowledge of zoo animal husbandry and observational skills.
• Ability to work with potentially dangerous animals.
• Must be capable of emergency response handling to avoid injury to self, others, and animal.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in the event of an unpredictable situation and follow through until situation is over.
• Must represent The Living Desert in a professional manner, and act accordingly at all times.
• Ability to speak in public and give animal presentations both informally and formally.
• Ability to enter accurate animal daily reports using in house computer program.
• Good observational skills.
• Must have strong organizational skills.
• Ability to record observations intelligently.
• Ability to give and comprehend written and oral instructions, and to accurately carry out such instructions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing to all levels of staff.
• Must be a motivated self-starter who needs minimal supervision.
• Must have strong communication skills and the ability to work with others in a team setting.
Working Conditions:
• Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting (up to 50#)
• Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals and dust/airborne materials.
• Works with potentially dangerous animals (large ungulates, carnivores, venomous snakes)
• Holiday, evening, weekend work required. Available on as needed basis for emergencies and events.
• Travel opportunities for occasional conference and workshop if funding available. Some or all expenses paid.