Facility

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Closing Date

Description

An Animal Keeper possesses a proven working knowledge of animal husbandry, a strong conservation ethic, exceptional interpersonal skills and strong leadership abilities to provide high quality care for assigned areas.

There is a Section Relief Animal Keeper position available in the Australian Adventure and Wilderness Trek areas of the Zoo. There are four (4) jobs between the two areas; Koala and Red Kangaroos, Ranch House and Gray Kangaroos, Asian Highlands and Rosebrough Tiger Passage. The Koala and Red Kangaroo job also includes lorikeets, echidna, wallabies, wallaroos and tree kangaroos. The Ranch House and Gray Kangaroo job also includes domestic stock, dingoes and various bird species. Within Wilderness Trek the person will primarily work as a team of two in the Asian Highlands area (to include leopards, red pandas, temperate bears, pinnipeds, onager and tufted deer) and Rosebourgh Tiger Passage (to include tigers, reindeer, takin, wolves, tropical bears, beavers and fishes). The Section Relief Animal Keeper will work with a wide array of species that includes mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and marine mammals. The person who takes this position will need to be skilled in dealing with certain area specific responsibilities that include: husbandry knowledge specific to these areas, learning all aspects of both areas’ Standard Operating Procedures, fulfillment of the Dangerous Animal Safety Guideline, training techniques, mixed species exhibit management, acute awareness of macropod health issues, macropod restraint and other functions as assigned. The person working in this area will be expected to work effectively in a close team environment, adhere to all guidelines and support a culture of safety awareness.

Selection will be based on the factors of skill, knowledge and the ability to perform the required tasks of the position. Seniority will prevail if considered factors are relatively equal.
HUSBANDRY

Provides food, water, medications, and supplements as indicated by schedules, prescriptions, or diet boards. To include loading and unloading animal feeds, hay, bedding, and animal care supplies.
Completes and reviews daily activity reports, diet consumption reports, behavior and/or training records, enrichment records, or any other written documentation on assigned animals.
Cleans, maintains, and disinfects animal enclosures and service areas.
Observes individual animals daily and reports animal behavior, appearance, fecal conditions, and unique characteristics.
Performs proper restraint techniques for crating, transferring, or veterinary procedures.
Monitors, reports, and performs pest control in assigned areas.
Prepares and continually enhances animal areas for aesthetic, reproductive, behavior, and animal safety (i.e. perching material, nest boxes, “furniture”, live or artificial plants, etc…).
Samples and records water analysis.
Provides continual environmental enrichment by approved methods.
Trains assigned animals for husbandry and enrichment.
Responds to hazardous or potentially unsafe situations by taking corrective action and promptly notifying supervisory staff.

CONSERVATION AND SCIENCE

Participates in ex situ and/or in situ conservation initiatives (i.e., studbooks, field research, public education, marketing, etc.)
Supports, accommodates, and/or participates in on-ground research initiatives (i.e., research proposal review, assist outside researchers, systematic record-keeping, behavior observations, literature searches, presentations to staff/volunteers, data or sample collections, etc.)
Possesses knowledge of research and conservation initiatives in nature and in zoos. This may include Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s involvement, AZA’s, or any organization within his or her area of interest or expertise.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Communicates regularly with peers and managers concerning matters of animal care, safety, and work schedules.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers (i.e. keepers, education, maintenance, marketing, volunteers) and the public.
Understands and follows verbal and written instructions.
Demonstrates initiative, dependability, teamwork, resourcefulness, good judgment, a positive attitude, and common sense.
Voices concerns constructively.
Participates in available task forces.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Works assigned shifts any day of the week with varying days off.
Performs related duties as apparent or assigned
Reports maintenance issues through the use of work orders.
Attends scheduled meetings.
Operates a motor vehicle and other mechanical tools and equipment (i.e. hand tools, computers, incubators, etc…).
Assist in the training of seasonal employees.
Supports the mission statement of the zoo and established animal care programs.
Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, animals, co-workers, and public.

Education and Pre-requisites

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in animal sciences or related field preferred.
Two years full time experience with captive exotic animals, six months if possess a Bachelor’s degree.
Demonstrated education, training and experience supporting the Essential Functions (listed above).
Ability to work in hot or cold weather, dusty, wet, and odorous conditions. Must be able to maneuver 75 pounds.
Possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License.

Shift: 4-10 hour work week
Days Off: Varies
Filing Deadline: 9/13/2019

Compensation and benefits

$26.22 per hour with .50 cent increase each six months until achieving the base rate of $27.72 per hour.

Application instructions

Please apply on the Cleveland Metroparks career site: https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/RTI.home?c=1151751&d=ExternalCareerSite&r=5000526802506#/