Facility

Brights Zoo

Closing Date

Description

Careers
Experienced Animal Keeper

Description

Interested applicants must be available any of the seven days of the week. Scheduled hours will be approximately 40 per week. Desirable qualifications for this position include a minimum of 2 years experience as a Keeper in a Zoological institution, experience in animal husbandry, animal behavior, care, feeding and handling of exotic animals, safety practices around wild animals, biology/zoology, and techniques for restraining and capturing wild animals.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Keeper performs all job assignments with a positive attitude and pursues green/conservation practices when feasible. The Keeper participates in the feeding and general care and welfare of assigned exhibit animals (mammals, reptiles or birds); cleans exhibit areas; provides exhibit security; and performs related work as required. The Keeper performs a wide variety of functions of moderate difficulty under general direction at the Zoo. A qualified candidate for this position consistently demonstrates the desire and ability to engage in positive relationships with internal and external customers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Responsible for the feeding and general care and welfare of assigned exhibit animals
Administers prescribed medication and nutritional supplements
Keeps feeding records
Observes assigned animals
Reports abnormal conditions to superiors
Cleans exhibit areas, pools, animal sleeping areas and service areas
Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers
Maintains health and behavior records on assigned animals
Answers questions from the public concerning exhibit animals
Provides exhibit security
Participates in capturing, incapacitating and moving exhibit animals
Assists medical staff in treating animals
Performs minor or routine maintenance on exhibit enclosures
Reports the need for major maintenance and repairs
Operates a variety of light and medium equipment
Performs minor or routine maintenance on exhibit enclosures
Reports maintenance needs
Operates a variety of light and medium equipment
Model for punctuality and professionalism
Exemplifies the highest standard of work ethics

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Observes assigned animals with regard to general appearance, feeding habits, condition of fecal matter, etc
Provides exhibit security and takes appropriate action to prevent vandalism or maltreatment of animals by the public
May assist in installing, repairing and maintaining irrigation systems in exhibit areas
Assists with procedures on a limited basis at the lead’s/manager’s discretion

ANCILLARY FUNCTIONS

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, training and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the knowledge and skills outlined.

Knowledge of:

Animal behavior
Animal biology; zoology
Care, feeding and handling of wild animals
Safety practices around wild animals
Techniques for restraining or capturing wild animals
Organizational policies, procedures and regulations.

Ability to:

Operate a motor vehicle, when required
Communicate and work effectively with others
Work in a team environment
Multi-task and prioritize
Understand and follow directions effectively
Deal tactfully and courteously with others
Competently perform the representative duties outlined above
Perform each Essential job function at a high level

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Frequent exposure to close contact with a wide variety of exhibit animals, mammals, reptiles, or birds; work in uneven terrain with exposure to varying weather conditions, dust, and allergens; move about on slippery surfaces; handle toxic and/or hazardous materials; and work in confined or cramped spaces. May work from elevated positions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position has been identified as one requiring at least occasional lifting in excess of 50 pounds; frequently move moderate to heavy objects; standing, bending, squatting, twisting, reaching, etc.

Education and Pre-requisites

Degree – Not required

Paid experience – preferred but not required
Zoo Experience – Required at least 1 year working in a zoo either paid or through internships.

Compensation and benefits

Pay based on experience. Pay will range from $12 to $16 per hour. Full time position.
Paid 1 week vacation after 1 year. Paid 1 week sick leave after 1 year.
Paid 2 weeks vacation after 3 years.
Cost of living in East Tennessee is very low. 2 bedroom apartments average between $450 and $700 per month.

Application instructions

Please fill out the application on the link below and fax or email it in.
http://brightszoo.com/index.php/about/careers