Facility
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Responsible for the animal management and exhibit/grounds maintenance for assigned team(s); scheduling, training and training coordination for assigned team(s); and, leadership for seasonal team members, interns, volunteers and zooschool students assigned to the region.
Under the direction of the Assistant Curator, responsible for animal management and exhibit maintenance for assigned team(s) including but not limited to animal health, animal enrichment, and habitat issues (e.g. work orders).
Under the direction of the Assistant Curator, responsible for generating and executing work schedules, coordinating training initiatives, and delivering on-the-job training to region staff as assigned.
Under the direction of the Assistant Curator, assumes leadership reasonability for seasonal staff, interns, volunteers and zooschool students assigned to region including but not limited to selection, scheduling, evaluation, training, daily work direction and informing management of problems.
Under the direction of the Assistant Curator, maintains accurate up-to-date records on region’s animal population (e.g. daily, monthly).
Provides leadership on individual projects as assigned by the Assistant Curator.
Provides care of the region’s living collection, including but not limited to food preparation, feeding, monitoring diets, watering, bathing, enrichment, observing medical and behavioral changes and behavioral stimulation, and may direct and provide medical treatment as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarian.
Cleans and maintains region’s animal exhibit areas, performs basic horticulture work within exhibit, and disinfects animal enclosures.
Performs minor maintenance, water quality testing, water changes, filter maintenance and other work related to aquatic systems.
Utilizes chemical supply products and follows standardized usage guidelines and safety information as set by the Material Data Sheets.
Assures the safety of self, animals, co-workers and visitors by observing safety guidelines when working with animals, equipment and vehicles.
Provides educational information about animals by interacting with the public, conducting tours and workshops, attending docent meetings, composing articles for zoo publications and conducting volunteer trainings.
Provides input to Assistant Curator on all aspects (e.g. safety, animal husbandry) of assigned areas.
Participates in training and operant conditioning programs and follows standardized reporting mechanisms.
Attends departmental meetings and participates in developmental seminars and workshops as required.
Establishes and maintains contacts with other zookeepers outside of the Columbus Zoo, field researchers and other specialists
Participates in cross-training activities as directed.
Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club and The Wilds.
Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal science, biology or related field required. Four years of relevant zookeeping experience may be substituted for degree.
12 months of successfully performing duties as a Zookeeper 4 preferred.
Experience supervising, organizing, and hiring internships and seasonal labor preferred.
Minimum six months animal husbandry experience required in one or more of the following taxa preferred: hoofstock, carnivores, and/or primates.
Ability to perform strenuous physical work required.
Ability to efficiently manage time and work without direct supervision.
Ability to develop and deliver informational presentations to small, medium or large groups required.
One to five years of leadership and/or supervisory experience preferred.
Ability to successfully perform zookeeper duties within a diverse animal collection preferred.
Successful animal husbandry experience in working with mammals, primates, avian and hoofstock with an emphasis on hoofstock preferred.
Ability to successfully lead and motivate a team.
P.R./First Aid certification preferred.
Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision required.
Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the Make it G.R.E.A.T. standards required.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business required.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays required.
Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
Possession of a valid Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required, as well as ability to operate standard shift vehicles required.
Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.
Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.
Compensation and benefits
This position pays $32.37.
Our mission at the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks is to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. When you are a part of our full-time Columbus Zoo and Aquarium team, you are helping us achieve that mission! We offer competitive wages, paid time off, excellent benefits including covered premiums for vision, dental, basic life and disability insurance, and OPERS retirement. Did we mention the perks? Company provided tuition reimbursement, Zoo family membership, free admission and discounts at all of our parks, team member appreciation events, wellness program, and more. Plus, as a nonprofit organization, our employees can take advantage of the student loan forgiveness through the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Application instructions
Please apply online at: https://careers-columbuszoo.icims.com/jobs/2106/headkeeper%2c-heart-of-africa/job