Program Animals Keeper I

Facility

Zoo Atlanta

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Job Title: Keeper I, Program Animals Revision Date: Feb 2016

Department: Birds and Program Animals Reports to: Curator, Asst curator, Lead keeper

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Job Status: Full-time

Job Purpose: This is a hands-on position participating in the daily husbandry, training and maintenance of Zoo Atlanta’s program animals. This position may be a swing position between free flight bird show and education collection areas or it may be a primary keeper for the tractable education animal collection.
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JOB FACTORS:

 Essential Duties & Responsibilities
• Maintain a high performance level as a keeper of the department’s ambassador animals which includes small mammals, reptiles, invertebrates and a show bird collection including raptors, parrots and exotic birds.
• Enthusiastically participate in daily husbandry and animal training sessions, exhibit maintenance, facility upkeep, unscripted animal encounters and scripted shows for audiences of up to 300 people.
• Monitor health and behavior of animal collection and communicate changes to supervisors and vet staff. Oversee administration of medications as applicable.
• Provide daily enrichment.
• Maintain accurate computer based records on animal health, training sessions, and interdepartmental communications.
• Coordinate and supervise activities of interns and volunteers as required.
• Work effectively both independently and as a member of a team within the department and across departments.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with docents and education staff who are trained as animal handlers and work frequently with the education collection.
• Candidate is expected to maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures
• Must be willing to support Zoo Atlanta’s Vision, Mission and Values statement and departmental collection plan.
• Other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Keeper I

 Knowledge:
• Minimum of 6 months experience preferably within an AZA institution and preferably paid.
• Minimum of 6 months experience working with a variety of small mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates and/or experience working with a free flight bird show.
• Knowledge of learning theory, focusing on positive reinforcement techniques. Practical application of techniques a plus.
• Knowledge of making/maintaining raptor equipment a plus.
• Experience using radio telemetry a plus.
• Experience talking on a microphone during informal or scripted presentations a plus.

 Special skills and abilities:
• Ability to perform basic exhibit and equipment maintenance is preferred
• Must have good written and oral communication skills
• Must have an exceptional ability to interact with zoo visitors as a show presenter.
• Must have a positive attitude, supporting department goals and those of Zoo Atlanta.
• Must have an excellent eye for detail

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Physical ability to perform strenuous work and lift 50 pounds on occasion.
• Ability and willingness to work in inclement weather and on weekends/holidays

EDUCATION:
• Four-year degree in biology, psychology, or related field (sufficient relevant experience will be considered in partial fulfillment of education requirement).

 Certificates/Licenses/Registrations
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume directly to the Assistant Curator, Rebecca Bearman, at rbearman@zooatlanta.org Deadline for applications is close of business Sunday, January 15th, 2017.

Application materials should be attached to an e-mail as a word or PDF document and be called YOURLASTNAMEcoverletter and YORULASTNAMEresume

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.

Education and Pre-requisites

EDUCATION:
• Four-year degree in biology, psychology, or related field (sufficient relevant experience will be considered in partial fulfillment of education requirement).

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

http://www.zooatlanta.org/home/careers