Job Postings

Keeper II – Raptor Free Flight and Interpretive Animal Collection (Full-time)

Facility

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Closing Date
November 25, 2018
Description

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s Animal Experiences Department seeks an enthusiastic individual to join our team. This position offers the candidate a unique opportunity to work in two very different programs each week; Raptor Free Flight (RFF) and the Interpretive Animal Collection (IAC.) RFF presents two free flight demonstrations per day during the season, showcasing a variety of raptors native to Arizona and the Sonoran Desert. The collection includes hawks, owls, falcons and ravens. IAC keepers present semi-formal programs in a theater setting 3 days/week. IAC keepers are responsible for approximately 75 animals representing 35 species of reptiles, arthropods, mammals and birds.

Job duties for both programs include preparing animal diets, administering medication as needed, record keeping, performing minor maintenance tasks for animal enclosures and holding areas, capture and restraint, basic husbandry, behavioral enrichment and training, and certification of volunteers.

The successful candidate must have good external and internal customer service skills as well as excellent critical thinking skills. Have the ability to multi-task and the capacity to compartmentalize knowledge. Have experience working with birds-of-prey (preferably in a free-flight setting) and husbandry specific to flight-trained/free-lofted raptors. Experience using telemetry is a plus. The ideal candidate will also be able to confidently present animals to the public during formal and informal presentations.

Education and Pre-requisites

Qualifications
The candidate must be a quick learner, have an eye for detail, and be able to work independently with little supervision. Must be team-oriented and have a courteous, sensitive, and respectful demeanor when working with volunteers and interfacing with the public. Must be able to work long hours in the extreme temperatures typical of the Sonoran Desert. The qualified candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field. A minimum of three years’ paid experience with animals at professional animal care facility (preferably an AZA accredited institution) is required for this position. A combination of education and applicable experience may also be considered. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and some evening events. Satisfactory driving record and valid Arizona Driver’s License (or ability to obtain) required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License or ability to obtain
• Satisfactory 39-month DMV report

Compensation and benefits

Compensation
First Step is currently: $15.16/hour with annual step increases as set forth in the Union contract.

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, an optional vision plan, additional voluntary life insurance, optional short-term disability plan, and 403(b) retirement plan.

Further Comments
This position was opened on October 16, 2018 and does not have a closing date. It is considered open until filled; however, application review will begin immediately. Please understand that if offered a position, you will, as a final condition of employment, be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen and provide a 39-month DMV report. Please note that relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Application instructions

Applications are accepted for open positions and must be completed and submitted online. To see the outline of the job description and to apply please go to our Career page:

https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=2190573

More information about our current employment opportunities, volunteer positions and the job 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.