Facility

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Closing Date

Description

Responsible for the daily care of primarily animals within assigned team as well as all other animals within the region; tests water quality and monitors life support systems and all region exhibit and grounds maintenance.
• Performs care of the region’s animals, including food preparation, feeding, monitoring diets, watering, bathing, enrichment, water changes, observing medical and behavioral changes, and behavioral stimulation and may assist with medical treatment as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarians.
• Cleans and maintains animal exhibit areas, performs basic horticulture work (e.g. caring for region’s egress/ingress, general grounds beautification) and disinfects animal enclosures.
• Performs minor maintenance, water quality testing, water changes, filter maintenance and other work related to aquatic systems.
• Utilizes chemical supply products and follows standardized usage guidelines and safety information as set by the Material Data Sheets.
• Assures the safety of self, animals, co-workers and visitors by observing safety guidelines when working with animals, equipment and vehicles.
• Provides educational information about the region’s animal population through such activities as interacting with the public, conducting keeper talks, staffing interpreter stations, conducting tours and workshops, attending docent meetings, composing articles for zoo publications and conducting volunteer trainings.
• Provides input to Assistant Curator on all aspects (e.g. safety, animal husbandry) of assigned areas.
• Maintains daily and monthly records on animals.
• May provide leadership to seasonal employees, interns, volunteers and zooschool students (e.g. provide daily work direction, inform management of problems).
• Participates in training and operant conditioning programs and follows standardized reporting mechanisms.
• Attends departmental meetings and participates in developmental seminars and workshops as required.
• May establish and maintain contacts with other zookeepers outside of the Columbus Zoo, field researchers and other specialists.
• Participates in cross-training activities as directed.
• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club and The Wilds.
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Pre-requisites

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal science, biology or relevant field required. Four years of relevant zoo keeping experience may be substituted for degree.
• Experience in zookeeping (6 months to one year), or approved equivalent required.
• Minimum six months animal husbandry experience working with primates, reptiles, carnivores, herbivores and birds preferred.
• Ability to successfully perform zookeeper duties within a diverse animal collection preferred.
• C.P.R./First Aid certification preferred.
• Experience in the maintenance of aquariums, aquatic life support systems, and use of water quality testing equipment preferred.
• S.C.U.B.A. certification required (if assigned duties include diving).
• Ability to pass Dive Program annual swim test required (if assigned duties include diving).
• Ability to pass Dive Program physical exam required (if assigned duties include diving).
• Remain current and follows all diving related institutional safety protocols as assigned.
• Ability to develop and deliver informational presentations to small, medium or large groups required.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical work required.
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
• Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision required.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the Make it G.R.E.A.T. standards required.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays required.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
• Possession of a valid Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required, as well as ability to operate standard shift vehicles required.
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
• Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.

Compensation and benefits

Position starts at $22.91 an hour

Application instructions

Apply online at:https://careers-columbuszoo.icims.com/jobs/1136/zookeeper%2c-asia-quest/job