Facility
Potawatomi Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
OVERVIEW:
Potawatomi Zoo is seeking a qualified individual to fill a reptile/amphibian keeper who can help build and improve our current collection. We are seeking a super enthusiastic, exceptional person to help with creating new exhibits and bring new life to current exhibits. The reptile/amphibian keeper is a motivated, dedicated team player who is willing to not only spearhead our herp department but work with other species as needed. This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week with competitive pay that will be based on the level of experience. Benefits are available after eligibility requirements are met, including guaranteed yearly wage increases within union contract and yearly clothing allowance.
The ideal candidate should be an individual who is passionate about animal welfare and providing the highest quality of life for the animals in their charge. They will be a critical thinker who is open to creative and innovative ideas. They would be a personable, proactive, self-motivated, independent, problem solvers, that is able to work with intermittent guidance and be an excellent communicator. The successful candidate will work effectively with all levels of staff, helping to advance the Mission and Vision of the zoo, and embrace the Potawatomi Zoo SPIRIT.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Responsible for the daily observation of animal health and welfare.
• Preparation of animal diets; feeding and watering animals according to a
predetermined schedule.
• Cleaning and disinfection of animal enclosures, holding areas, and exhibit
features; food and water dishes / pans; draining and cleaning pools; collection
and disposal of refuse.
• Reporting births, deaths, injuries and/or irregular behavior of animals to
appropriate manager. Assists with animal health procedures.
• Maintaining daily reports and other records.
• Assisting in training animals for husbandry and enrichment behaviors.
• Assisting with the movement, capture and restraint of animals.
• Maintaining exhibit esthetics (planters, yards, perching, etc.)
• Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate
manager.
• Performing minor repairs and improvements of exhibits under supervision.
• Assisting in training new keepers and interns.
• Monitoring and informing the public as necessary; responsible for public safety.
• Maintaining Standards Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Providing daily keeper guest experiences on a routine basis.
• Maintaining and inspecting areas to meet AZA and USDA standards.
• Carries out duties and job assignments as delegated by immediate managers
or other appropriate members of management.
Education and Pre-requisites
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in an animal-related field
• Reptile and amphibian experience with natural history and husbandry is
mandatory for consideration
• Possess good verbal and written communication skills
• Must possess a valid Indiana or Michigan driver’s license
• Current TB test and fully COVID vaccinated
• Able to stand for up to 8 hours
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a routine basis
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near potentially dangerous animals, moves around mechanical parts and works in all types of weather conditions. The employee frequently works in precarious places and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the work requires considerable walking, prolonged standing, lifting up to 50 pounds routinely and working outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Compensation and benefits
$14.50 – $17.50/hr based on experience
Application instructions
Please submit resume and cover letter to Jami Richard, Curator of Animals at hr@potawatomizoo.org
Potawatomi Zoo
500 S Green Lawn Ave
South Bend, IN 46615