Job Postings

Animal Care Team Keeper

Facility

The Living Desert, Palm Desert, CA

Closing Date
January 31, 2018
Description

Position Summary:
The Animal Keeper is an energetic front line staff position responsible within a routine to provide the highest quality daily care, husbandry and behavioral management of a defined portion of The Living Desert’s animal collections, and is responsible for the daily care of assigned animal exhibits and other associated animal facilities.

A TLD animal keeper is an example to others while working towards an improved future and shared vision within TLD. This position educates, engages and provides exemplary guest service experiences for all Zoo guests through various programs, activities and continuous guest interaction as outlined by Animal management.

This person must have the ability to make good decisions regarding the welfare of animals, staff and guests. This person will support the Zoo in our mission “to support desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation” and will help the Zoo achieve a forward-thinking vision of a modern zoo and inclusive culture.

Specific Skills:
• General knowledge of zoo animal husbandry and observational skills for a variety of taxa.
• 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 to guests and give animal presentations both informally and formally.
• Ability to enter accurately animal daily reports using in house computer ZIMS program.
• Must have strong organizational, observational and time management skills.
• Ability to record and articulate observations intelligently.
• Ability to give and comprehend written and oral instructions, and to accurately carry out such instructions.
• Must be a motivated self-starter who needs minimal supervision.
• Must have effective communication skills and the ability to work with others in a team setting.

Education and Pre-requisites

Qualifications:
• AA, AS or higher degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least 1 year of exotic animal experience.
• Experience with animal training and public presentations a plus.
• Will substitute training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities. Generally, one year of full time exotic animal experience will translate to one year of college.
• Valid California driver license.
• Must be insurable on The Living Desert’s automobile policy.

Physical Position Description:
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS: Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting up to 50lbs.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, and dust/airborne materials. Work with potentially dangerous animals (i.e. large ungulates, carnivores, venomous animals).
HOLIDAY WORK: Holiday and weekend work required.
TRAVEL: Occasional conference and workshop attendance available, if funding available. Some or all expenses paid.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.

Compensation and benefits

Permanent, Full time position w/benefits. $14.67 per hour.

Application instructions

To apply for this position: Qualified applicants must send resume, three (3) references and cover letter to Misty Gray, Animal Care Manager at animalcaremanagers@livingdesert.org. Cover letter should include how you will be key in moving the Animal Department forward, and how you will move The Living Desert mission forward. Deadline for submissions: Wednesday January 31st, 2018 at 5pm (pst).