Facility
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Summary
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s Interpretive Animal Collection Department seeks an enthusiastic person to join their team as a Keeper II. This keeper will be responsible for the daily care of approximately 70 animals representing 40 species of reptiles, birds, smaller mammals and invertebrates. Animal care will include enclosure cleaning and other husbandry duties, diet preparation and feeding, administering medications when needed, record keeping, creating and providing differing enrichment, and animal training. This keeper will be conducting a theater presentation three days per week, so the ability to deliver an entertaining/educating program in front of a large audience is required.
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Reports To: Curator of Animal Experiences
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Bargaining Unit Position
Description
Ensures animal welfare and institutional support by performing the duties below.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following; other duties will be assigned.
• Prepares food for charges by chopping or grinding meat, fish, fruit, or vegetables; mixing prepared, dry, or liquid commercial feeds, or unbaling forage grasses per department practices and protocols
• Cleans and fills water containers and places food in enclosures per department practices and protocols
• Adds vitamins, medications or supplements to food or water as prescribed by ASDM’s Veterinarian
• Observes animals to detect illnesses or injuries and notifies Curator or ASDM’s Veterinarians of findings. Will promptly notify Curator or veterinary team of issues and concerns
• Assists ASDM’s Veterinarians and Veterinary Technician in treatment of animals for illnesses and injuries
• Will perform injection of prescribed medications after appropriate training from ASDM veterinary staff
• Cleans and disinfects animals’ quarters per department practices and protocols
• Will assist with developing desired animal behaviors per department practices and protocols
• Will be involved in the training of co-workers
• Will be involved with the training, management and certification of volunteers
• Under curatorial direction, transfers Collection animals from one location or enclosure to another for purposes such as rearrangement of exhibits, veterinary needs, or programs
• Sets temperature and humidity controls of quarters as specified per department practices and protocols
• Answers visitor questions concerning animal habits, conservation, or museum operations
• Participates in educational activities as required, (i.e., Docent classes, ADC, Art Institute, media)
• Assists other collection departments, maintenance, and exhibits staff when required
• May assist in the collection of specimens and exhibit materials per ASDM guidelines
• Will provide and create approved environmental enrichment, following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols
• Will participate in formal presentations at ASDM or off-site, (i.e., Keeper talks, theater programs, behind-the-scenes tours)
• Will complete on-line annual training as required
Supervisory Responsibilities
There are no staff supervisory responsibilities associated with this position. However, this position may supervise and/or provide direction to volunteers assisting with Keeper duties.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications
The candidate must be team oriented, sensitive and courteous. The successful candidate must have strong interpersonal and public speaking skills as well as a strong background in captive wild animal care. Experience working with volunteers and Docents is a plus. Knowledge of operant conditioning and in the natural history of Sonoran Desert region is highly desirable. A Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years’ experience in a related field (preferably paid) at an AZA-accredited facility desirable; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License or ability to obtain
• Satisfactory 39-month DMV report
Other Qualifications
Must be able to work holidays and weekends. Must demonstrate schedule flexibility according to department needs.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is often quiet, but hearing protection is occasionally required. Other personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required as directed.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
Wage Progression: Initial Step will be $15.24/hour with annual step increases based upon hire date and the bargaining unit agreement in effect at the time of the anniversary date. Step 2: $15.74; Step 3: $16.25; Step 4: $17.78; Step 5: $18.31; Step 6: $18.68; Step 7: $19.05; Step 8: $19.82.
Perks
This is a regular status, full-time/non-exempt position that is eligible for benefits. Current benefits include ASDM paid life insurance and long-term disability plans. On a shared premium basis: PPO medical with HRA and a choice of two dental plans, and optional vision plan, a short-term disability plan, additional voluntary life insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan.
Application instructions
Applications are accepted for open positions and must be completed and submitted online. To apply please go to:
https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=2858570
More information about our current employment opportunities, volunteer positions and the application process is available here:
http://www.desertmuseum.org/about/workopt.php
The Museum is a drug and alcohol free workplace and participates in E-Verify. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About The Museum
Founded in 1952, the Museum is a non-profit institution dedicated to conservation and research of the Sonoran Desert region while continuing its on-gong mission to inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world by fostering love, appreciation, and understanding of the Sonoran Desert. It is a fusion experience zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, aquarium, and research institute. Unlike most museums, about 85% of the experience is outdoors. Within the 21 interpreted acres and along the 2 miles of walking paths through various desert habitats there are more than 230 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants. The Desert Museum is ranked on TripAdvisor.com as one of the Top 10 Museums in the country and the #1 Tucson attraction.