Facility

Animal Park at the Conservators Center, NC

Closing Date

Description

Animal Keeper 1
Animal Park at the Conservators Center, Burlington, NC
Position: Animal Keeper 1
Department: Animal Husbandry
Reports To: Animal Husbandry Manager
FLSA: Non-exempt
Review Schedule: 90 days and annually

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Animal Park at the Conservators Center is a nonprofit wildlife park with a carnivore based collection, located in rural NC. Species kept include big cats, wolves, dingoes and other small canids, small cats, and small carnivores. The park hosts educational guided tours and special events that connect people with wildlife.
The Animal Keeper is responsible for performing husbandry for all animals on site. This is an outdoor position for an adventurous personality with a special interest in carnivores of all sizes.
An Animal Keeper must have strong focus in the present moment, and follow through with tasks precisely as directed. The Animal Keeper works weekends and holidays, outdoors in all weather, and still has a positive, professional attitude at all times. The Animal Keeper will interact regularly with animals as well as other staff and park guests to help provide exceptional visitor experiences. This position reports to the Animal Husbandry Manager.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals, including cleaning, diet prep and feeding, applying operant conditioning training, general exhibit maintenance and upkeep of habitats and support facilities

Maintains clean and organized exhibits, service areas, and equipment

Administers prescribed medications, supplements, and treatments under supervision

Maintains daily electronic record keeping on diets, health, welfare, training, etc.

Performs landscaping maintenance and eliminates toxic or harmful plants

Assists in pest control throughout the park.

Identifies maintenance needs and potential safety issues and effectively reports them

Assists in acquisition, processing and storage of animal food, including whole prey

Cross-trains and works in other areas of the business as needed

Interacts with donors and members of the public regularly, sharing an educational
perspective and encouraging participation in park programs

Participates in educational experiences including keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions

Oversees work activities and/or provides training for interns and volunteers

Safely operates motorized vehicles and equipment

Other duties as assigned

Education and Pre-requisites

Qualifications and Aptitudes

College degree in one of the natural sciences or a related discipline, or a certificate of completion from an acceptable exotic animal care program is preferred, but equivalent experience with relevant species will be considered

A minimum of one year of experience in zoo animal care, gained through employment, internships, or volunteer experience

Previous experience effectively using operant conditioning for shaping behaviors is ideal

Able to perform significant physical effort on a daily basis, such as walking, bending, stooping, twisting, repetitive motions, lifting heavy objects (up to 50 pounds), careful movement over uneven or slippery ground, and standing for long periods

Capacity to learn new skills and complex tasks quickly and thoroughly
Able to work weekends and holidays

Able to endure routine exposures to significant levels of heat, cold (NC level), moisture, and inclement weather

Strong interpersonal, team-building, and communication skills

High level of professionalism

Attention to detail

High adaptability and flexibility on the job

Able to ask for assistance, question when uncertain, admit when lacking knowledge

Able to represent the Animal Park well both on and off the job

Able use basic hand and power tools, and able to learn how to use more complex tools

Basic skills with Microsoft Office and Excel software applications

Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment

Handle predictable and controllable hazards associated with animals; dust and allergens; chemicals used for husbandry purposes

This individual will be required to work around potentially dangerous animals

COVID-19 vaccination is required, and booster vaccines may be required

Pre-exposure vaccination for rabies will be required after a probationary training period

Testing or vaccination for other zoonotic diseases may be required

Compensation and benefits

Benefits include PTO, continuing education opportunities, group discounts for dental/vision and other coverage, as well as professional guidance for insurance plans available through the Marketplace.

Application instructions

If interested please fill out an application using the link below.

https://animalparknc.org/connect/employment/

All resumes, references and questions can be emailed to applications@animalparknc.org