Facility
San Diego Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Lead Keeper will support San Diego Zoo Global’s mission of saving species worldwide by supervising and participating in the feeding and general care and welfare of assigned exhibit animals (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates or birds) under general direction. This position reports to the Animal Care Supervisor or Animal Care Manager.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Assigns and supervises the work of animal keeper personnel
Responsible for the feeding and general care and welfare of assigned exhibit animals
Administers prescribed medication and nutritional supplements
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
Maintains health and behavior records on assigned animals
Answers questions from the public concerning exhibit animals
Provides exhibit security
Participates in capturing, incapacitating and moving exhibit animals
Assists medical staff in treating animals
Performs minor or routine maintenance on exhibit enclosures
Reports the need for major maintenance and repairs
Operates a variety of light and medium equipment
Performs minor or routine maintenance on exhibit enclosures
Reports maintenance needs
Operates a variety of light and medium equipment
Model for punctuality and professionalism
Exemplifies the highest standard of work ethics
Performs consistently above organization performance standards
Adheres to all SDZG and department policies and practices
Practices the GRRREAT Customer Service Standards
Performs related duties and responsibilities as required
Safety: Must be able to safely manage the daily care of non-domesticated wild animals representing multiple dangerous species. This requires the knowledge of and ability to follow SOPs in each animal area.
Attendance: Must be able to routinely work 40 hours per week – excluding periods of approved Annual Leave (AL). An example would be working 5 consecutive days and then off for 2 days. This can be any of the 7 days of the week including holidays and late shifts year round.
Decision-making: Must have independent and critical thinking ability to respond appropriately to expected and unexpected animal care situations. Must be able to problem solve based on experience and observation and must be able to follow proper procedures.
Flexibility/Adaptability: Must be able to quickly process and respond to novel situations with professionalism and clear judgment. Must be able to accept irregular shift times, last minute schedule changes, variance in workload, and changing of daily tasks. Must be able to respond appropriately to the collection animals’ dynamic social and physical states. Must be able to work at variable locations (Zoo, Safari Park, field, ICR).
Professionalism: Employees are expected to abide by the SDZG Rules of Engagement. Must foster a positive work environment that promotes trust and integrity. Must be able to accept responsibility and be accountable. Must make decisions that support the goals of the organization
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Qualified applicants will be responsible for all aspects of daily animal care, maintenance of exhibits and plants, data collection and record keeping. Knowledge and/or experience with husbandry for a diverse group of bird species is required. A minimum of 5 years of bird experience in an AZA accredited institution and experience with artificial incubation and hand rearing is required. Strong communication skills and ability to work well with others is necessary. A Life Science degree or equivalent specialized training is required. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds, climb a ladder 20 feet or higher and perform overhead work. Applicants must be available to work any of the seven days of the week with the possibility of a late shift. A valid driver license in good standing is required.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Animal behavior
Animal biology; zoology
Care, feeding and handling of wild animals
Safety practices around wild animals
Techniques for restraining or capturing wild animals
San Diego Zoo Global’s policies, procedures and regulations
Effective leadership practices
Operate a motor vehicle, when required
Communicate and work effectively with others
Work in a diverse team environment and motivate others
Multi-task and prioritize
Understand and follow directions effectively
Deal tactfully and courteously with others
Competently perform the representative duties outlined above
Perform each essential job function at a high level
IMPORTANT DETAILS
Location: San Diego Zoo – Avian Propagation Center
Duration: Year round
Positions available: 1
Union Position: Starting hourly wage $29.24
*If selected, there are union fees and dues to be paid to the Union
Candidates must be available for an interview if contacted. Full job description may be requested at that time.
THIS EMPLOYER PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL IS A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL IS AN EEO/AA/DISABILITY/PROTECTED VETERAN EMPLOYER San Diego Zoo Global makes every effort to ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals and abides by EEO and nondiscrimination provisions of all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzgcareers@sandiegozoo.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.
Education and Pre-requisites
Not specified.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
Not specified.