Facility
Potawatomi Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
OVERVIEW:
The Potawatomi Zoo is seeking a qualified individual to fill a full-time Swing Keeper position. The successful candidate will have the skills and competency to perform normal keeper duties as needed in the assigned areas. This individual will be responsible for carrying out all aspects of daily animal care and husbandry for a diverse collection of animals. A strong commitment to teamwork, professionalism, and excellence is required. This keeper will rotate through the different areas of the zoo working with several different taxa. This is a great way to get experience with a diverse group of animals. 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.
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:
1. The ideal candidate would be personable, proactive, self-motivated, independent, a problem solver, and be able to work with intermittent guidance.
2. Ability to stand for up to 8 hours.
3. Able to lift up to 50 pounds on a routine basis.
4. Possess good verbal and written communication skills.
5. Must possess a valid Indiana or Michigan driver’s license
6. Bachelor’s degree in a Biological Science (i.e. Biology, Zoology) or closely related field preferred with preference given to applicants with at least one-year or more of experience working with a diverse collection in a zoological, wildlife park or a closely related environment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics 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 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 the work requires considerable walking, prolonged standing 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
Visit our website (http://Potawatomizoo.org)