Zookeeper - Commissary​/Quarantine

The Great Plains Zoo welcomes applicants for a Commissary / Quarantine Keeper who will prepare diets for zoo animals, organize and clean kitchens, inventory and stock food prep areas, organize and clean grain and feed rooms, as well as have the same responsibilities as other full‑time zookeepers regarding the care and husbandry of quarantined animals. In this capacity, the quarantine keeper will work with a variety of species across all taxonomic classes regularly.

Zookeepers are responsible for the specialized work involving all aspects of general care and husbandry of zoo animals, including maintaining/cleaning adjacent areas.

• Prepare diets daily for Zoo's animal collection (follow written and oral instructions concerning type and quantity of foods to be prepared and size of portions; obtaining necessary ingredients from the storage areas/coolers/freezers, and washing, cleaning, peeling, cutting, chopping, grinding, dicing and/or slicing foods as required; accurately measure and weigh portions and package foods in accordance with instructions.)
• Prepare food enrichment (e.g., frozen icicles) as scheduled and instructed. Work with keepers on preparing other kinds of enrichment as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and sanitation of dishes, work areas, all surfaces, and equipment.
• Organize and inventory grain and feed rooms, hay storage areas, coolers, and freezers.
• Pack and deliver diets and supplies (e.g., hay and grain) throughout Zoo as per instructions.
• Will assist in receiving deliveries (e.g., meat, fish, grain, hay, wood shavings, and other supplies) and checking against packing slips.
• Inventory and assist in ordering commissary supplies.
• Interact with and educate the public, VIPs, and/or media about animal nutrition and department animals/operations through tours, keeper chats, and other special events as assigned. A considerable degree of interpersonal skills will be required, and a high level of appreciation for guest service is necessary.

• Provide all aspects of daily care for the animals in assigned exhibits and holding areas. Including but not limited to:
  • Innovative animal husbandry that complies with AZA and USDA standards.
  • Preparation and feeding of approved diets.
  • Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
  • Implementation of the behavioral program of the animals under assigned care, which includes the animal training (operant conditioning) and enrichment programs.
  • Designing and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits.
  • Utilizing preventative husbandry techniques and providing proactive health care as required.
  • Provide proper care for neonates and young (may require care outside of normal working hours).
  • Work with the veterinary and animal care teams to provide specialized care to hospitalized or quarantined animals as needed.
• Maintain animal exhibits and holding areas, as well as behind‑the‑scenes keeper areas, in a clean and presentable condition at all times.
• Observe the animal collection for any signs of illness, lethargy, injury, or dietary problems and report any problems to the Area Supervisor or Animal Care Director.
• Assist the Animal Care Director, Area Supervisor, and/or Veterinarian in routine animal examinations and medicate animals with any prescribed treatments.
• Must be able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, and zoo guests.
• Must be flexible, self‑motivated, enthusiastic, and a team player.
• Maintain daily reports, medical records, enrichment logs, and other records as needed in the assigned area.
• Participate in the animal behavior management program (animal operant conditioning training and enrichment program) as directed.
• Perform basic restraint, crating/uncrating, transport of animals as required, and must have the ability to operate various sizes of animal squeeze cages for medical purposes.
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
• Other duties as assigned by the Area Supervisor or the Animal Care Director.

• Must be…