KEEPER/PRIMATES

Facility

SAN DIEGO ZOO

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

JAMBO!

It all began with a ROAR over 100 years ago!

San Diego Zoo Global is a conservation organization dedicated to the science of saving endangered species worldwide. San Diego Zoo Global operates three world-class facilities: the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Our organization’s vision – we will lead the fight against extinction.

Help us to make a difference for wildlife and begin your adventure with a career at the San Diego Zoo Join the dedicated crew who are passionate about what they do and strive to create unforgettable experiences for our guests. Share your knowledge, skills and commitment to provide GRRREAT Customer Service and be a part of the ROAR with San Diego Zoo Global!

Are you ready to start your adventure and put your Passion for Wildlife to Work?

TRAVEL ITINERARY:

Destination – Primates

Duration of your adventure – Year round

Seats (positions) available – 3

Attire while on adventure- The Society has a very conservative grooming policy. Tattoos may not be visible or must be appropriately covered while on duty. Jewelry may be worn if it does not detract from a well-groomed look or create a safety hazard. No facial or tongue piercing.

Amenities – Located at the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, this adventure offers ZOO Perks which include discounts on food/premium products, free and discounted admission to local attractions, and accrual of vacation and sick time (exception for some grants and Summer Fellowships).

(union positions) Hourly wage: $21.24 – $23.06

Requirements for this adventure include:

Essential job functions for this position include the day-to-day management of animals, feeding and providing for the general care and welfare of assigned exhibit animals, cleaning exhibit enclosures and contiguous areas, providing exhibit security and performing related work as required. Applicants must have at least 2 years of work experience with primates. Qualifications include: animal husbandry knowledge, an understanding of primate management, direct experience working with animals in a zoological setting, a basic understanding of operant conditioning and animal behavior, care, feeding and handling of exotic animals. Safety practices around wild animals and guest interactions/public presentations are necessary. Frequent requirements to move moderate to heavy objects and work on uneven terrain with exposure to varying weather conditions, dust and allergens are components of the position. Selected candidate will also be required to move about on slippery surfaces, handle toxic and/or hazardous materials and possible exposure to zoonotic diseases. May work from elevated positions and/or in confined or cramped spaces. The qualified candidate is expected to be a team player and have good communication skills. A college education in biology or a scientifically related field or equivalent experience from a recognized institution is required. A bachelor’s degree is highly desired. Interested applicants must be available any of the seven days of the week for day or evening shifts. Scheduled hours will be approximately 40 hours per week. Valid California driver license is required.

One of the essential functions of this position is the ability to drive a SDZ Global vehicle. If you are offered employment in this position, you will be asked to authorize SDZ Global to access your current driving report through the DMV’s Employer Pull Notice Program. Your hiring for this position will be contingent on SDZ Global receiving an acceptable driving report for you. In addition, your continued employment in the position will depend on you maintaining an acceptable driving record. You may obtain a list of conditions that disqualify a person from driving an SDZ Global vehicle from a Human Resources Representative.

(Posted 01/10/17) (Extended 1/23/17)

Deadline to submit request of application for adventure:

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Applications must be submitted online by 9:30 pm Pacific Time

**San Diego Zoo Global is a smoke-free workplace**

THIS EMPLOYER PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL IS AN
EEO/AA/DISABILITY/PROTECTED VETERAN EMPLOYER

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Keeper performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that reflects San Diego Zoo Global’s mission and vision of saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in animal care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature and leading the fight against extinction. The Keeper, under general supervision, feeds and provides for the general care and welfare of assigned exhibit animals (mammals, reptiles or birds). This position reports to a Lead or Supervisor.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Keeper class in that the Keeper works under supervision. The Keeper performs a wide range of semi-routine functions at either the Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This class also consistently demonstrates the desire and ability to engage in positive relationships with internal and external customers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Prepares food and water for exhibit animals
Loads and unloads food from trucks
Feeds exhibit animals
Administers prescribed medication and keeps feeding records
Observes assigned animals
Reports abnormal conditions to superiors
Cleans exhibit areas, pools, animal sleeping areas and service areas
Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers
Provides species-appropriate enrichment to assigned animals
Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals
Responds to questions from the public concerning exhibits
Provides exhibit security
Participates in capturing, incapacitating and moving animals
Participates in and supports animal training programs
Assists medical staff in treating animals
Performs minor or routine maintenance on exhibit enclosures
Reports maintenance needs
Operates a variety of light and medium equipment
Adheres to all Organization and department policies and practices
Practices the GRRREAT Customer Service Standards
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Prepares food and water for exhibit animals by cutting, measuring portions and adding nutrient or supplements
Observes assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
Provides exhibit security and takes appropriate action to prevent vandalism or maltreatment of animals by the public
Provides care to neonates utilizing assisted rearing protocol
Cleans exhibit enclosures and contiguous areas
Performs minor or routine maintenance on exhibit enclosures and reports other maintenance needs
May participate in either formal or informal presentations with guests including keeper talks, animal-feeding demonstrations, and behind the scenes tours
May maintain plant life within or around exhibit areas
May assist in installing, repairing and maintaining irrigation systems in exhibit areas
Operates light and medium equipment such as dump trucks, skiploaders, forklifts, water trucks and other vehicles

ANCILLARY FUNCTIONS

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Job Requirements:
QUALIFICATIONS

Education, training and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined. Examples would be 12 to 16 college credit hours in zoology, animal biology or animal husbandry; or, one to two years of work experience in a Zoo or similar environment where appropriate knowledge and skills in animal care could be acquired; valid California driver license.

Knowledge of:

Animal behavior
Animal biology and zoology
Care, feeding and handling of wild animals
Safety practices around wild animals
Techniques for restraining or capturing wild animals
Public Speaking
Ability to:

Respond to cautions from co-workers
Monitor animal behavior and appearance
Operate motorized equipment and vehicles
Use computer programs (Word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and Internet)
Communicate and work effectively with others
Work in a team environmentand motivate others
Multi-task and prioritize
Understand and follow directions effectively
Deal tactfully and courteously with others
Adhere to the organization’s policies, procedures and regulations
Competently perform the essential functions outlined above
WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Frequent exposure to close contact with a wide variety of exhibit animals, mammals, reptiles, or birds; work in uneven terrain with exposure to varying weather conditions, dust, and allergens; move about on slippery surfaces; handle toxic and/or hazardous materials; and work in confined or cramped spaces.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position has been identified as one requiring lifting in excess of 50 pounds; frequently move moderate to heavy objects; standing, bending, squatting, twisting, reaching, etc; may work from elevated positions.

ALL NEW HIRES ARE SUBJECT TO PASSING A DRUG SCREEN.

SOME EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON PASSING PRE-PLACEMENT TESTING

Education and Pre-requisites

Knowledge of:

Animal behavior
Animal biology and zoology
Care, feeding and handling of wild animals
Safety practices around wild animals
Techniques for restraining or capturing wild animals
Public Speaking

Compensation and benefits