Facility

Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Closing Date

Description

The Animal Habitat Keeper I provides care and upkeep for American Black Bears, Cougars, North American River Otters, Elk, Bald Eagles and a variety of educational animals. An ideal candidate will be self-motivated, have an appreciation and respect for animals, possess domestic and/or exotic animal experience and have some knowledge of the species listed above. They must be physically capable of performing a variety of habitat maintenance, willing to follow policies and procedures closely, able to work independently and as part of a team and possess good public speaking and customer service skills. The Keeper I must also be able to carry heavy supplies or equipment on uneven terrain, recognize changes in an animal’s behavior, and assist in regular upkeep of all buildings, holding areas and animal habitats. The candidate must be able to work weekends and holidays, during emergencies, work closely with other employees, volunteers, and general public and work a flexible schedule.

Major Duties:
• General feeding and cleaning up after animals
• Habitat maintenance such as weed-eating, pond cleaning, raking, hauling debris, and hauling concrete
• Behavior and health observation including minor veterinary care
• Leading Behind the Scenes Tours and handling educational animals for programs
• Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner, assist guests with questions, and ensure guests are acting in a safe manner
• Assist in the coordination of the department’s special events such as Animal Birthday Party
• Constantly exhibit a guest service attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in guest comfort and service
• Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees

Responsibilities:
61% – Animal care including feeding, cleaning of holding areas, assisting with veterinary visits, and assisting with animal training
17% – Habitat maintenance such as weed-eating, hauling debris, raking leaves, pond cleaning, general housekeeping
12% – Talking to guests, leading Behind the Scenes tours, hosting Keeper for a Day participants, assisting with Keeper Talks
10% – Special events, trainings, meetings, miscellaneous duties

Education and Pre-requisites

Qualifications:
• Possessing or working towards a degree in Biology or related field
• Domestic and/or exotic animal experience
• Capable of strictly following policies and procedures
• Physically capable of doing habitat maintenance and able to lift 50 pounds
• Public speaking ability
• Able to communicate well with children and adults of all ages
• Capable of learning species and resident animal information
• Ability to take initiative and work independently or as a team
• Experience leading programs or tours or the ability to learn

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

Interviews for these positions are typically conducted in late January or early February. Please send your cover letter, application, and resume by email or mail. Applications will be reviewed until positions are filled, but incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any questions please contact Christie Tipton (Animal Habitats Curator) or Deborah Anderson (Animal Habitats Assistant Curator) at 828-733-8715 or via e-mail at christie@grandfather.com.

This application can be e-mailed to christie@grandfather.com or mailed to the address below:
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation
Attn: Animal Habitats, Christie Tipton
P.O. Box 129
Linville, NC 28646