Facility

Zoo Atlanta

Closing Date

Description

Zoo Atlanta Job Description

Job Title: Swing Keeper I Updated Oct 2017

Department: Ambassador Animals

Reports to: Lead Keepers and Curatorial Staff

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Status: Full-time

Job Purpose:
Animal keepers are responsible for animal husbandry, including training and enrichment. Additionally, animal keepers are responsible for maintenance of habitats, holdings, and public areas as assigned. The Keeper I will report to the area managers. For more information about our animal, conservation, and research programs visit www.zooatlanta.org. The candidate should be comfortable working free contact with animals, training, public presentations with and without microphones and daily one-on-one guest interactions with an exceptional ability to interact with zoo visitors. This position is a swing position that will start in Outback Station, but the candidate will be expected to cross train in other areas with a wide variety of Ambassador Animals. Outback Station is home to bushdog, red kangaroo, and a contact yard with goats, sheep, and Kune Kune pigs. The department swing will also be trained to work in our free-flighted bird show area which includes raptors, parrots and exotic birds and our tractable education animal area which includes small mammals, invertebrates, and reptiles. The candidate should have a strong interest in informal education.

This posting closes Dec 1st, 2017

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, SKILLS, AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Effectively monitor health and behavior of the animal collection and communicate changes to supervisor and veterinary staff. Oversee administration of medications as applicable.
• Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection including training, enrichment, research, and education.
• Complete behavioral management training and utilize operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
• Actively support and implement area policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the collection and the safety of staff and guests.
• Maintain a high performance level of general keeper duties including animal care and observations, facility maintenance, visitor service and guest interactions, including scheduled on-ground talks.
• Use strong interpersonal skills to form and maintain positive relationships within the work environment.
• Positively promote and foster work that improves department function and productivity.
• Oversee activities of interns and volunteers.
• When possible, actively participate in workshops, seminars, activities and conferences aimed at continually improving job knowledge and professional development.
• Must be willing to fully support Zoo Atlanta’s strategic plan, mission and values, and work with all zoo staff to support these plans.
• Responsible for special projects, procedures, and goals set forth by the area managers.
• Support Zoo Atlanta’s conservation and research initiatives.
• Must be dependable and willing to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with volunteers, docents and education staff who are trained as animal handlers and work frequently with the Ambassador Animal collection.
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• One year related animal care experience is preferred. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
• Experience in a contact yard a plus.
• Communicates effectively with supervisory staff and co-workers both written and orally.
• Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques is preferred.
• Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.
• Must be able to use light power tools after suitable training.
• Experience talking on a microphone during informal or scripted presentations a plus.

EDUCATION:

• Four-year degree in biology, psychology, or related field is preferred; sufficient relevant experience will be considered.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:

• Must obtain and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and have the physical ability to perform strenuous work including lifting 50 pounds.
• Ability and willingness to work in inclement weather and on weekends/holidays.

TO APPLY:

• Send a cover letter and resume to Rebecca Bearman, Assistant Curator of Ambassador Animals at rbearman@zooatlanta.org
• Please save documents in word or as a PDF and name the files LASTNAMEresume or LASTNAMEcoverletter.
• This posting closes Dec 1st, 2017

MISC:
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment

To apply for this position, please go to our website: zooatlanta.org/About/Careers

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

TO APPLY:

• Send a cover letter and resume to Rebecca Bearman, Assistant Curator of Ambassador Animals at rbearman@zooatlanta.org
• Please save documents in word or as a PDF and name the files LASTNAMEresume or LASTNAMEcoverletter.
• This posting closes Dec 1st, 2017