Facility

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Closing Date

Description

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum located near Tucson, Arizona is accepting applications for a Full-time Keeper to join the Raptor Free Flight (RFF) team.
The successful candidate will have a strong knowledge and experience in free-flying birds of prey and husbandry specific to flight-trained raptors. Familiarity with managing free-lofted birds using very little traditional falconry equipment is a plus. We are also seeking candidates who have experience using telemetry and lure flying a falcon.
This position plays an active role in presenting two free flight demonstrations per day, showcasing a variety of raptors and corvids native to Arizona and the Sonoran Desert. Presentations are science and conservation centered and highlight the inherent ability of birds in nature to entertain and educate. This position also assists with the training and certification of volunteers.
*This position was opened on May 25, 2017 and does not have a closing date. It is considered open until filled; however, it is recommended that all credentials be submitted for consideration as soon as possible. Please understand that if offered a position, you will, as a final condition of employment, be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug test and provide a 39-month DMV report.
About The Museum
Founded in 1952, the Museum is a non-profit institution dedicated to conservation and research of the Sonoran Desert region while continuing its on-gong mission to inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world by fostering love, appreciation, and understanding of the Sonoran Desert. It is a fusion experience zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, aquarium, and research institute. Unlike most museums, about 85% of the experience is outdoors. Within the 21 interpreted acres and along the 2 miles of walking paths through various desert habitats there are more than 230 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants. The Desert Museum is ranked on TripAdvisor.com as one of the Top 10 Museums in the country and the #1 Tucson attraction.

Education and Pre-requisites

Qualifications
Must be able to work weekends and holidays. Must be a quick learner, have an eye for detail, and able to work independently with little supervision. Must be team-oriented and have a courteous, sensitive, and respectful demeanor when working with volunteers and interfacing with the public. Must be able to work long hours in the extreme temperatures typical of the Sonoran Desert. Associates degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school and at least two years’ work experience (preferably paid) in an AZA-accredited facility; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Must have a minimum of one (1) year experience working with free-flight birds either in a show setting, bird abatement, or falconry. Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License or ability to obtain
• Satisfactory 39-month DMV report
Other Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of the Sonoran Desert region highly desirable
• Knowledge of zoo facilities and operations desirable

Compensation and benefits

Compensation
First Step is currently: $15.16/hour with annual step increases as set forth in the Bargaining Unit Agreement.

This is a regular status, full-time/non-exempt position that is eligible for benefits. Current benefits include ASDM paid life insurance and long-term disability plans. On a shared premium basis: PPO medical with HRA and a choice of two dental plans, an optional vision plan, additional voluntary life insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan.

Application instructions

Applications are accepted for open positions and must be completed and submitted online. To apply, please go to our Career page: https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=arizonadesertmuseum.appone.com
More information about our current employment opportunities, volunteer positions and the application process is available here: http://www.desertmuseum.org/about/workopt.php
The Museum is a drug and alcohol free workplace and participates in E-Verify. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.