Facility

Zoo Atlanta

Closing Date

Description

Job Title: Keeper I
Department: Ambassador Animals
Reports to: Lead Keepers and Curatorial Staff
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Status: Full-time

Job Purpose: Animal keepers are responsible for animal husbandry, including training and enrichment. Additionally, animal keepers are responsible for maintenance of habitats, holdings, and public areas as assigned. The Keeper I will report to the area managers. For more information about our animal, conservation, and research programs visit www.zooatlanta.org. The Ambassador Animal team cares for the zoo’s tractable education collection, bird show birds, petting zoo and a few exhibits. The Ambassador Animals department includes 3 work areas; World of Wow Theater includes our free flight demonstration birds, Wieland Wildlife Home includes our tractable education animals (such as rabbits, reptiles, armadillos, and other small animals), and Outback Station includes our contact yard and periphery exhibits. This position is an entry level position and is a swing position for our Outback Station and Wieland Areas.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, SKILLS, AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Effectively monitor health and behavior of the animal collection and communicate changes to supervisor and veterinary staff. Oversee administration of medications as applicable.
• Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection including training, enrichment, research, and education.
• Complete behavioral management training and utilize operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
• Actively support and implement area policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the collection and the safety of staff and guests.
• Maintain a high-performance level of general keeper duties including excellent animal care and guest interactions including scheduled on-ground talks.
• Use strong interpersonal skills to form and maintain positive relationships within the work environment.
• Positively promote and foster work that improves department function and productivity.
• Oversee activities of interns and volunteers.
• When possible, actively participate in workshops, seminars, activities and conferences aimed at continually improving job knowledge and professional development.
• Must be willing to fully support Zoo Atlanta’s strategic plan, mission and values, and work with all zoo staff to support these plans.
• Responsible for special projects, procedures, and goals set forth by the area managers.
• Support Zoo Atlanta’s conservation and research initiatives.
• Must be dependable and willing to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays.
• Must be excited to interact with guests of all ages in our contact yard.
• Must be interested in learning the skills necessary to speak on a microphone in both scripted and non-scripted public demonstrations.
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by management.

Education and Pre-requisites

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 6 months paid experience with a variety of small mammals and reptiles, preferred.
• Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
• Communicates effectively with supervisory staff and co-workers both written and orally.
• Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques is preferred.
• Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.
• Must be able to use light power tools after suitable training.

EDUCATION:

• Four-year degree in biology, psychology, or related field is preferred; sufficient relevant experience will be considered.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:

• Must obtain and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and have the physical ability to perform strenuous work.

MISC: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

To apply for this position, please go to our website: zooatlanta.org/Careers