Animal Keeper

ALASKA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER

Title:

Animal Keeper 1

Category:
Fulltime, Year-round

Reports To:

Animal Curator, Assistant Curator

General Function

• Under direct supervision of the Animal Curator and Assistant Curator, the Animal Keeper 1 performs tasks requiring skills in the care and maintenance of the animal collection and exhibit facilities at the center.

• Works days and hours assigned by Animal Curator; changes based on season.
• Requires late shifts until closing (8pm) during summer operating hours, as well as possible overnights during calving season.
• Provides water and food for animals and cleans exhibits in assigned area. Makes daily animal observations and reports any abnormal behavior or health concerns, exhibit security, and/or safety concerns to on-duty supervisor immediately.
• Diet preparation and distribution following prescribed diet and feeding procedures. Records diet consumption daily and notifies supervisor of feeding behavior changes.
• Recommends improvements in animal care procedures and schedules, exhibit upkeep and employee and visitor safety.
• Carries out prescribed veterinary treatments as assigned by the Vet Team and Animal Care management. Assists in capture and crating/uncrating of animals.
• Performs routine maintenance and upkeep of walkways, zoo grounds and facilities as assigned. Reports needed major repairs and checks and maintains equipment used.
• Acts as a liaison to the public by courteously answering questions and enforcing feeding rules for the animals.
• Present educational programs and tours when assigned.
• Research and preparation of information regarding zoo specimens for discussion with the public and other professionals.
• Represents the AWCC animal care department in a positive way during any filming operation the AWCC management decides to partake in; helping to promote the facility in a positive light and garner public support.
• Reports all departmental personnel concerns directly and immediately to the Animal Curator.
• Carries out the responsibilities of the position in a professional and appropriate manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to work in a team environment to help achieve AWCC’s goals and objectives.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Must possess a positive and respectful attitude.
• Excellent customer services skills.
• Be willing and able to work in extreme weather conditions; rain, snow, sleet, sun or wind.
• Exceptional work ethic, attention to detail and time management skills.
• Abilities to lift 80#, bend, reach, stand, crawl, and work in a drastically changing weather environment.
• Ability to compromise, listen, learn, understand, and follow instructions and directions.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other employees.
• Ability to work directly with the public, providing information and assistance as needed.
• Ability/willingness to learn and pass on to customers those areas of interest to visitors, such as local history, people, culture, geography, etc.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed.
• Proven ability to effectively lead in a fast-paced environment.
• Efficient, organizational skills, time management, and ability to multitask.
• Current on the following vaccinations:
  Tetanus and Rabies series.

• A Bachelor of Science degree in animal sciences.
• A minimum of 1 year of related experience.
• A positive attitude and strong work ethic.

• Compensation starting at $2 4-2 6/hour, DOE.
• 12 paid holidays including the employee’s birthday (New Year’s, Easter, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous People’s Day, Thanksgiving, Day-After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas).
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, AWCC covers 100% of premium.
• Sick leave.
• PTO accumulation package.
• Option to enroll in 403-b retirement, matching 5% from the company after 1 yr of service.
• Housing available on site, bunkhouse style. Limited capacity. Security deposit and monthly rent associated.
• Continuing education opportunities.