Facility
Animal Park at the Conservators Center, NC
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
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