Job Postings

BIRD ZOO KEEPER

Facility

Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ

Closing Date
August 31, 2023
Description

Come join us at the Reid Park Zoological Society!

Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking a Bird Zoo Keeper. Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, animal or zoology related plus two years of paid avian care experience at an AZA accredited facility OR Associate’s degree with three years paid avian experience at an AZA accredited facility.

The Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create inspiring memories for all by connecting people and animals to ensure the protection of wild animals and wild places. We provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages. Reid Park Zoo is the largest attended cultural attraction in Southern Arizona with approximately 500,000 visitors annually. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo implements an exciting master plan that will be investing over $60M in new exhibits over the next ten years.
No phone calls or visits please. This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

Overview: Reid Park Zoo is home to over 200 birds representing 50 species. The growing collection will focus on raising parent reared birds as well as hand rearing birds for a unique interactive aviary. The successful candidate will be hard working, detail oriented, and have at least two years of avian focused full-time work at and AZA accredited facility which included experience with incubation and hand rearing. This person will be committed to progressive animal care and welfare and to maintaining a positive culture of openness, trust, and respect. Variable shift work is possible. Animal care includes behavioral observations, positive reinforcement training, preparing and providing enrichment, cleaning, engaging with welfare committee as well as the supervisory and vet team. The Keeper will be responsible for daily record-keeping including daily reports, medication logs, welfare tracking, enrichment records, animal training records and area notes. The Keeper may work in a variety of animal areas and may be a swing or primary keeper of an area. Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for wild animals in captivity.

Reports To: Animal Care Supervisor

Animal Care

Essential Job Duties:
● Daily cleaning associated with animal night house, habitat, and visitor viewing area.
● Husbandry care for the animals on the area (feeding, medicating, training, enriching and care specific to the species).

Other Job Duties
● Completes reports including but not limited to daily animal reports, enrichment logs, water quality logs, training logs, medication logs, animal incident reports, etc.
● Develops & implements enrichment activities for animals following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols.
● Trains utilizing positive reinforcement to aid in animal management & promote visitor education.
● Monitors animal welfare and report concerns to supervisor.
● Follows all animal care protocols and policies.
● Assist in the training of new staff and mentoring volunteers.
● Completes all trainings as required.
● Variable shift work is possible.

Communication
● Participates in formal presentations e.g. Keeper talks, special events, behind-the-scenes tours etc.
● Answers visitor questions concerning animals, conservation, zoo operations, etc.
● Participates in AZA groups including SSP and TAGs

Health & Safety
● Assists in the capture and/or physical/ chemical restraint & transportation of animals.
● Participates in emergency drills.
● Willing to maintain proficiency with darting equipment & firearms if selected for safety team. Willingness to serve on safety team.
● Responds to animal emergencies following approved protocols.
● Stays current on required vaccinations.

● Administrative Functions
Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies such as completing expense reports and purchasing or cash handling procedures.
Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties.
Complete all animal records in variety of software programs including Animal Care Software, ZIMS, etc

● Other Duties as Assigned

Education and Pre-requisites

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, animal or zoology related plus two years of paid avian care experience at an AZA accredited facility OR Associate’s degree with three years paid avian experience at an AZA accredited facility.
• Willing to undertake an annual TB skin test (AZA requirement).
• Regular physical attendance at work.
• Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for exotic & dangerous animals in a zoological institution.
• Demonstrated critical analysis, customer service, problem solving, conflict resolution, decision making, leadership, team building, time management, and motivational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate and resolve conflicts, maintain confidentiality and to respect and observe organizational protocol.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of RPZS and coworkers as well as diverse volunteers, guests, donors, community partners, vendors and others.
• Able to work flexible work schedule and adjust as required. Weekend, special event and some holiday work are required.

Physical Demands
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach.
• Stand for long periods.
• Repetitious motion with hands. Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools.

• Please note that this document is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Compensation and benefits

The hiring range listed is $16.54 – $18.12 hourly. We have four healthcare plans, two dental plans, vision, life insurance, pet insurance and some free benefits including Short & Long Term Disability and life insurance. We offer 12 vacation days, 11 paid holidays plus 40 hours sick time annually. We offer a 401k plan with employer matching. In addition, we have staff discounts and fun employee events throughout the year and zoo membership for your family.

Application instructions

Please apply via our website www.reidparkzoo.org/employment