Facility
Utica Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Utica Zoo creates unique experience and promotes public appreciate of wildlife through education, conservation, and recreation. The Utica Zoo is currently accepting applications for Animal Keeper levels 1-3. There is one full-time, benefited position to be filled at this time. The position will be filled with the candidate that best fits the needs of the zoo, within one of the 3 listed Keeper levels. Application materials will remain on file for one year.
Reports to Director of Animal Operations or Animal Managers. Works as assigned within animal areas. All keepers learn the care for the entire animal collection. Permanent assignments are based on the needs of the zoo.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Cleans/disinfects animal enclosures and other animal-related areas in accordance with Zoo standards/policies and other identified standards of sanitation (e.g. USDA).
Within exhibits and other animal enclosures, maintains plants and furnishings/features such as but not limited to perches, rocks, logs, nest-boxes/dens, pools, moats, etc. through replacement, installation or cleaning.
Inspects exhibits and facilities, daily or per established procedures, and takes necessary action to assure that they are secure, clean, well-lit and properly heated and ventilated; promptly reports situations outside the control of keepers to the appropriate parties (e.g. curator, veterinarian, maintenance).
Maintains cleanliness and organization of indoor and outdoor storage areas and other areas adjacent to animal facilities, as assigned.
Makes minor, routine and emergency repairs necessary to animal management and exhibition. For major repairs, completes necessary work orders.
May make recommendations or provide input regarding design of Zoo exhibits and facilities and participate in installation/construction of exhibits and materials.
Is responsible for security of animals and facilities; promptly reports potential safety hazards affecting animals or humans to the appropriate parties
Assists in emergency situations.
Prepares exhibits and buildings to meet established opening times.
Prepares, distributes and records consumption of animal food in accordance with policies and procedures.
Implements species-appropriate variation in presentation of diet.
May assist in ordering, receiving, storing, moving and inventory of food and other supplies.
As per established protocols, enters information relating to changes in the collection, significant behavior or behavioral changes, breeding, diet, veterinary care, etc. on daily keeper reports.
Through daily logs and/or other established mechanisms, communicates additional information important to other keepers working in the same building/area.
Provides information that may affect the health or well-being of the animal collection to the appropriate supervisor, veterinarian, or nutritionist in an expedient manner.
Maintains physical environment of exhibits and other animal enclosures to meet animal physical and psychological needs.
Initiates and implements appropriate behavioral enrichment and behavioral management programs with approval and/or under direction of animal management team.
Interacts routinely and positively with visitors and other Zoo constituents about the Zoo and animals in their care.
Participates in Zoo-related education, membership and public programs including, but not limited to, facility tours, feeding demonstrations, keeper talks, etc.; may collaborate with animal management and education staff to develop such programs.
Conducts regular observation of animals for health and social and reproductive behavior.
May assist in research programs as assigned. May initiate and implement research projects under direction of animal management staff.
Implements and maintains treatment plans, quarantine and other preventive health programs, and zoonotic disease transmission prevention programs as prescribed by veterinary staff.
Assists in the capture, crating and transfer of animals and participates in shipping and receiving of specimens.
As appropriate to specific role and knowledge, provides training and instruction to trainee keepers, interns and others as assigned in all aspects of animal care and facility operation.
Assist with other duties as assigned.
Demonstrated knowledge of the exhibition and husbandry of exotic animals in the area. Demonstrated motivation and initiative in expanding knowledge of husbandry, exhibition and management of zoo specimens.
Ability to clearly and accurately present oral and written information.
Ability to interact with a variety of constituencies, including other staff, volunteers, donors, and media while maintaining a positive attitude
Ability to perform work in accordance with policies and procedures and to adapt to change.
Availability to work schedule as assigned, including weekends.
Must successfully pass a background check, have a clean TB test, and have a valid, current driver’s license.
Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office required. Experience with ZIMS (Zoological Information Management Systems) a plus.
Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
Able to safely lift, carry and load 40 pounds a distance of 50 feet and participate in physical activities required of the position.
Able to work from heights or in confined spaces.
Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
Education and Pre-requisites
Prefer a bachelor’s degree in one of the life sciences. Additional appropriate experience will be considered as a substitute for a bachelor’s degree or in conjunction with a different degree.
Brief overview of qualifications for Keeper levels I, II, III below. These keeper levels are non-supervisory.
Keeper I qualifications: Prior related zoo animal care experience is preferred. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
Keeper II qualifications: A minimum of 2 years prior related zoo animal care experience as determined by Utica Zoo is required. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred. Assigned program coordination and are expected to have the experience required to elevate husbandry.
Keeper III qualifications: A minimum of 4 years zoo animal care experience as determined by Utica Zoo is required. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is also preferred. Serve as area(s) liaison, ensuring information and needs are being funneled up to management level.
Compensation and benefits
Full-time, hourly. Health insurance benefit options and Simple IRA retirement plan. Pay commensurate with experience and position.
Application instructions
Applications are only accepted through email. Cover letter and resume are REQUIRED.
Application deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until position(s) are filled. Please email resume and cover letter to HR@uticazoo.org
Utica Zoo
One Utica Zoo Way Utica
Utica, NY 13501