Facility

Indianapolis Zoo

Closing Date

Description

If you are an experienced animal care professional that is experienced in maintaining, caring, and training for a variety of birds species and enjoys conducting informal and formal presentations, look no further your next career is at the Indianapolis Zoo! We are currently on the hunt to add a practiced Birds Trainer, who will also serve as an ambassador animal trainer, to our flock! Don’t fly past this exciting opportunity!

The ideal candidate is committed to advancing the Zoo’s mission to protect and inspire people to care for our world. This position will work with a variety of Macaw species such as Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao), Blue Throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis), Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna), Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguous), Military Macaw (Ara militaris), and Green Wing Macaw (Ara chloropterus) as well as many other bird species. Prior experience in the animal care profession, preferably a zoological setting, is required, psittacine experience is a plus. Experience with operant conditioning principles and the use of positive reinforcement techniques and free-flight training is highly desired. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, position that requires availability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. A team-oriented personality that is temperamentally suited to work with animals is a requirement. Strong observation and communicative (both verbal and written) skills are a must.

This Birds Trainer role involves a great deal of interaction with the general public, requiring good public speaking skills and the ability to provide outstanding customer service. This position will assist with the training of seasonal care staff, interns, and volunteers.

The Indianapolis Zoo is proud to be a Drug-Free/ Smoke-Free/ Child Safe/ Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Work Environment.

Education and Pre-requisites

Working with a variety of birds and ambassador animals requires a special skills set and physical responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:

One (1) year of prior related work experience, operant conditioning and free-flight training highly desired.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/ university in Life Sciences, Zoology, or a related field is required.
Must be able to participate in area chats, feeds and behind-the-scene tours.
Completes area daily and weekly duties, including reports.
Assists with research projects and exhibit modifications.
Displays a professional attitude and appearance to visitors, volunteers, and co-workers.
Physical strength and stamina with the ability to perform very heavy work, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
Ability to transport and move items, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium to perform various jobs.
Ability to detect, assess, identify, and observe surroundings to make sound judgments, along with the ability to communicate verbally, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio and telephone.
Valid driver’s license and driving record that is insurable by our carrier.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a criminal history and driving record check, and a drug test.

Compensation and benefits

The Indianapolis Zoo offers a competitive benefits package to all eligible (full-time/ 40 hr./ week) employees. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; 403(b) Retirement Plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Immediate Paid Holidays, and a complimentary Zoo membership for employees.

Application instructions

To apply:

Interested candidates must complete an online Zoo application on the Indianapolis Zoo’s website (https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/jobs-volunteer/available-positions/) by the March 23, 2021 application deadline.
Attach a resumé and cover letter to your application to increase your chances.