Facility

Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Closing Date

Description

The Animal Habitat Keeper I provides care and upkeep for American Black Bears, Cougars, North American River Otters,Elk, Bald Eagles and a variety of educational animals. An ideal candidate will be self-motivated, have an appreciation and
respect for animals, possess domestic and/or exotic animal experience and have some knowledge of the species listed above. They must be physically capable of performing a variety of habitat maintenance, willing to follow policies and
procedures closely, able to work independently and as part of a team and possess good public speaking and customer service skills. The Keeper I must also be able to carry heavy supplies or equipment on uneven terrain, recognize changes in
an animal’s behavior and assist in regular upkeep of all buildings, holding areas and animal habitats. The candidate must be able to work weekends and holidays, during emergencies, work closely with other employees, volunteers and general public and work a flexible schedule. School schedules can be worked around in the spring and the fall.
Major Duties:
• General feeding and cleaning up after animals
• Habitat maintenance, such as weed-eating, pond cleaning, raking, hauling debris and hauling concrete
• Behavior and health observation including minor veterinary care
• Leading Behind-the-Scenes Tours and handling educational animals for programs
• Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner, assist guests with questions and ensure
guests are acting in a safe manner
• Assist in the coordination of the department’s special events, such as Animal Birthday Party
• Constantly exhibit a guest service attitude, a smile and an obvious interest in guest comfort and service
• Establish and maintain positive, cooperative and effective working relations with fellow employees

70% – Habitat maintenance such as weed-eating, hauling debris, raking leaves, pond cleaning, general housekeeping
15% – Animal care, including feeding, cleaning of holding areas, assisting with veterinary visits and assisting with animal
training
15% – Talking to guests, leading Behind the Scenes tours, hosting Keeper for a Day participants, and assisting with Keeper Talks and events.

Education and Pre-requisites

• Possessing or working towards a degree in Biology or related field
• Domestic and/or exotic animal experience
• Capable of strictly following policies and procedures
• Physically capable of doing habitat maintenance and able to lift 50 pounds
• Public speaking ability
• Able to communicate well with children and adults of all ages
• Capable of learning species and resident animal information
• Ability to take initiative and work independently or as a team
• Experience leading programs or tours or the ability to learn

Compensation and benefits

Housing is not included with this position.

Application instructions

Interviews for these positions are typically conducted in late January or early February. Please visit https://grandfather.com/about-grandfather-mountain/our-team/join-the-team/, select Habitat Keeper 1 under Available Positions/Applications and follow the instructions. Applications will be reviewed until positions are filled, but incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any questions, please contact Animal Habitats Curator Christie Tipton or Animal Habitats Assistant Curator Jenny Condron at (828) 733-8715 or via e-mail at christie@grandfather.com.