Animal Keeper ; Embassy

General

Summary:

The Animal Keeper 1 (Embassy) will provide care and maintenance of the animals and their associated exhibits and holding areas. The Animal Keeper is responsible for working collaboratively with other keepers and coworkers to achieve departmental and Zoo-wide initiatives. The Animal Keeper will report to their assigned Area Manager and the General Curator. Additionally, the Animal Keeper 1 will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.

• Provides basic daily husbandry, food and water for animals in assigned area in accordance with department and area standards
• Observes behavior and physical condition of animals, and reports concerns to area supervisor
• Transfers animals between enclosures in accordance with department and area standards, and follows established safety guidelines
• Provides approved enrichment to animals in compliance with behavior team requirements
• Participates in approved training programs in compliance with behavior team requirements
• Maintains daily electronic records to track animal behavior and well-being over time
• Attends annual welfare assessments and submits regular welfare evaluations
• Participates in data collection for approved behavior and research projects
• Participates in animal medical procedures as directed by the area supervisor
• Participates in animal escape drills and incidents as directed by the recapture coordinator
• Conducts daily inspections of animal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings for structural defects and potential safety issues, and reports concerns to area supervisor
• Performs minor repairs and maintenance of animal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings as needed
• Maintains cleanliness of animal facilities, area buildings, public spaces and back of house areas
• Implements pest control measures as needed, and in accordance with the Zoo’s pest control program
• Complies with all AZA standards and USDA regulations
• Adheres to all policies and procedures of the department and the Zoo
• May train new staff on daily area routines with oversight from higher level keepers or manager

• Completes daily records for tracking animal health, animal behavior, enrichment and training
• Reviews area records and updates in order to stay informed of new developments and changes in assigned area
• Checks Zoo email regularly for updates from department and Zoo management
• Provides area supervisor with timely updates on animal concerns
• Actively participates in team meetings, discussions and debriefings
• Adheres to the Zoo’s communication policy regarding social media posts and confidentiality
• Enhances the guest experience by actively engaging with visitors
• Supports the Zoo’s mission by sharing the organization’s conservation messages with visitors and the general public

• Proper storage and use of animal food items and animal medications
• Proper use and care of Zoo radios and cell phones, and timely reporting of issues
• Safe use of Zoo vehicles and timely reporting of issues, including any accidents
• Maintenance and safe use of tools and minor equipment, including kitchen knives

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or a related field of study strongly preferred.

• At least one year of animal care experience with applicable species preferred
• Zoo experience preferred (paid or unpaid)
• Understanding of current trends in animal training and behavior management
• Able to collect and collate data for studying animal behavior
• Familiarity with electronic communication and record-keeping
• Must possess a valid driver’s license

• Ability to work with a wide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds
• Ability to operate both independently and as part of a team in a productive, respectful, and efficient manner with proper time management skills
• Extremely well organized, self-directed, collaborative, and detail oriented
• Possess a positive…