Facility
Zoo Atlanta
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Job Title: Savanna Swing Keeper
Department: Mammals
Reports to: Lead Keepers and Curatorial Staff
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Status: Full-time
Job Purpose:
Animal keepers are responsible for animal husbandry (including training and enrichment), maintenance of habitats, holdings, and public areas of the assigned department. The Savanna Swing Keeper will directly report to the Elephant and Hoofstock Lead Keepers within the Mammal Department. This position currently provides care for white rhinos, giraffe, African elephants, zebra, warthog, ostrich, meerkats, and naked mole rats.. Scheduling and time in each area will be based on departmental and scheduling needs. For more information about Zoo Atlanta’s animal, conservation, and research programs visit www.zooatlanta.org.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES, SKILLS, AND RESPONSIBILITES:
Monitor health and behavior of the animal collection and communicate changes to supervisor and veterinary staff. Oversee administration of medications as applicable.
Maintain a high-performance level of general keeper dutiesincluding excellent animal care and guest interactions.
Strong interpersonal skills to form and maintain positive relationships within the work environment.
Actively support and implement area policies, procedures and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the collection and the safety of staff and guests.
Able to receive and provide constructive feedback.
Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection including training, enrichment, research, and education.
Complete behavioral management training and utilize operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
Actively foster constructive attitudes and positively participate in a team environment.
Support Zoo Atlanta and its departments which include marketing, education, veterinary services, facilities, and external department initiatives.
Demonstrate the ability to coordinate and supervise activities of interns and volunteers.
Communicates effectively with supervisory staff and co-workers, both written and orally.
When possible, actively participate in workshops, seminars, activities, and conferences aimed at continually improving job knowledge and professional development.
Must be willing to fully support Zoo Atlanta’s strategic plan, mission and values, and work with all zoo staff to support these plans.
Responsible for special projects, procedures, and goals set forth by the area managers.
Support Zoo Atlanta’s conservation and research initiatives.
Must be dependable and willing to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays.
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 management.
Education and Pre-requisites
QUALIFICATIONS:
A minimum of 3 years prior related animal care experience as determined by Zoo Atlanta is preferred. Paid experience with elephants and hoofstock at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
Must be able to work safely around elephants in a Protected Contact setting.
Good communication skills, an enthusiasm for interacting with the public and a willingness to give regular talks to guests, special groups, etc.
Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques is strongly preferred.
Must have strong written and oral skills.
Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.
Demonstrate the ability to use light power tools after suitable training.
EDUCATION:
Four-year degree in biology, psychology, or related field is preferred; sufficient relevant experience will be considered.
DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:
Must obtain and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and have the physical ability to perform strenuous work.
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.
Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
To apply, visit our Careers website at https://zooatlanta.org/careers/ and click the green button that says “Open Career Opportunities.” Then, find the desired position and click the yellow “Apply” button next to it. If this is your first time applying, you will need to create a username and password before filling out the application.