Facility
Sacramento Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Sacramento Zoological Society, the 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that manages the Sacramento Zoo, is seeking an experienced “Primary Carnivore Keeper”. The Zoo exhibits over 500 specimens representing 150 species on 14 acres in a well-established city park. The Zoo hosts over 500,000 visitors annually. The Sacramento Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1975 and has a strong participation in AZA programs.
Position reports to: Director of Animal Care. General supervision is provided by the Supervisor of Mammals.
Position Summary: This one position is a general Full Time “Primary Carnivore Keeper” at the Sacramento Zoo. Performs all duties entailed in the husbandry and care of an exotic animal collection at an AZA accredited facility with a specific focus on the Zoo’s mixed carnivore collection. Position will work with a co-Primary Carnivore Keeper in maintaining the “Carnivore Section” and its overall day-to-day operations at the Zoo. A successful candidate will have a positive attitude, excellent communication and problem solving skills, work independently at a fast pace and have a great understanding of, and passion for captive exotic mammalian management in an AZA Zoological setting. Experience with, and willingness to be involved in AZA Species Survival Programs as well as other AZA programs is highly desired.
Position will participate and contribute to any duties and projects as needed to assist the Sacramento Zoo in achieving its overall mission, as well as maintain Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation.
The Carnivore Section at the Sacramento Zoo at this time includes big cats, otters, red pandas, fox, aardvark, anteater, tamandua.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
• Along with the co-Primary, under direct supervision of the Supervisor of Mammals, manage and participate in the planning, operation, decision-making and day to day activities of the Carnivore Section.
• Work without close supervision after training. Exercise sound judgment in analyzing emergency situations. Follow all safety guidelines and policies during general duties as well as emergency situations.
• Preparation of animal diets; feeding and watering animals according to a predetermined schedule.
• Cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance of animal exhibits, holding areas and Zoo grounds.
• Operating trucks, tractors and other machinery as necessary.
• Capture and restraint of small carnivores and mixed mammal species when necessary for treatment, general husbandry, or shipment.
• Treatment of sick or injured animals as directed by veterinary staff.
• Maintenance and repair of animal exhibits, holding areas, exhibit furniture, etc.
• Observation and monitoring of animal behavior and physiology.
• Submission of detailed written reports concerning animals and condition of assigned area.
• Provide recommendations concerning diet changes and exhibit modifications which would improve breeding potential, visitor experience and general well-being of the animals.
• Conduct tours, give animal care demonstrations and other oral presentations to zoo visitors, school groups, potential donors, etc.
• Supervision, guidance and mentorship of the activities of Keeper-aide volunteers and area interns in their tasks as assigned at the Zoo.
• Must respond per protocols and training to any various array of emergencies, including, but not limited to animal escapes.
• Adherence and serious focus on dangerous animal protocols and procedures. Includes personal behavior around dangerous animals.
• Perform extensive operant conditioning and training for husbandry and medical purposes.
• Oversee, create, organize and manage physical and behavioral enrichment activities for section per given day.
• Assist Carnivore Section in general operation as needed: area oversight, record keeping, data entry, project oversight, pest control, volunteer oversight, communication with other Zoo professionals, reproduction and introduction activities, and other duties as dictated.
Disclaimer: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of an employee assigned to this job.
Education and Pre-requisites
Experience: A minimum of three years paid experience as a Zoo Keeper in a Zoological setting required. A minimum of one of those three years (or cumulative of one year within the three) must be focused on carnivore husbandry.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Biological Sciences (i.e. Biology, Zoology, and Ecology) or related discipline required. Certain levels of experience may be accepted in lieu of education, pending approval of Zoo Management.
Qualifications (Knowledge Of):
• AZA programs, mission, conservation goals and overall operations.
• Animal biology, nutrition, natural history, big cat and general behavior, and medical health.
• General husbandry practices, animal restraint and capture techniques – species appropriate.
• Operant conditioning, common environmental enrichment, and animal training practices.
• Basic animal first aid and emergency treatment.
• Safe work practices while in proximity of dangerous animals including protected contact procedures.
• Mammalian behavior, physiology and ecology – carnivores, small carnivores and mixed mammals.
Abilities:
• Make minor repairs and perform general maintenance and light construction utilizing various hand held power tools.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions and communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Be proficient in general computer use, including common programs such as Word & Excel.
• Familiarity with animal record systems such as ZIMS, TRACKS or others.
• Make oral presentations to groups.
• Perform general duty labor for extended periods and under adverse weather conditions.
• Lift, carry and push or pull objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Armed Response Team experience desired, but not required.
License or Certificate: Possession of a valid Driver’s License at the time of appointment is required; loss of the License is cause for discipline. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Compensation and benefits
This is a full time position. Salary is commensurate with experience, and includes a competitive benefits package.
Application instructions
Send cover letter and resume to saczooanimalcare@gmail.com. State “CARNIVORE PRIMARY” in the subject line. Position open until filled.