What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grizzly Principal Wild Animal Keeper position at Akron Zoo?
Description
About the Akron Zoo
The Akron Zoo has experienced remarkable success over the last two decades with tremendous attendance growth, strong financial sustainability, and an enviable record of repeated AZA accreditation certifications. This coupled with overwhelming community support demonstrated by the repeated passing of tax levy campaigns, which provide annual funding towards the Zoo’s operating and capital needs.
The Zoo is poised for continued growth and development having just completed new strategic, master, and conservation plans that outline several important projects including a new $25M African exhibit expansion which will add giraffe to the collection, a new animal hospital and increased resources directed to new conservation programs.
Job Description
With that as a canvas, the Akron Zoo is looking for a Grizzly Principal Wild Animal Keeper who will be responsible for the overall care and welfare of the animals and spaces assigned to them (including but not limited to Grizzly Bear, Red Wolf and Coyote). They will be expected to guide and be involved in planning for all aspects of the lives of the animals on their principal routine; however, they will not necessarily always be the person to carry out every task. For example, with appropriate input from the keeping staff, they will be expected to be the primary authors of plans, protocols, and background documents such as introduction plans, protocols regarding how a routine is serviced, natural history documents, ethograms, enrichment calendars, and forms used for supplemental record keeping, etc. They will be expected to use knowledge of natural behaviors and natural habitats to guide and be involved with evaluating husbandry practices, providing enrichment, and operant conditioning.
In addition to primary responsibilities, the Principal Keeper will routinely be caring for multiple large cat species, otters, and red pandas. Experience working with Dangerous Animals is strongly preferred.
Requirements
This position is full-time, 40-hours per week, Non-Exempt, Collective Bargaining position with benefits. Hourly rate ranges from $17.15-$19.65 (based on experience as per union contract). Candidates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a mature attitude, and a strong conservation ethic. Candidate must be able to complete physical work which includes climbing and walking on uneven terrain; entering and wading into pools; climbing hills, stairs and ladders; wearing PPE; lifting up to 50 lbs.; and working outside in all weather conditions.
A four-year degree is strongly preferred; a minimum of an Associate’s degree or equivalent is required. A minimum of six months of animal care experience at an AZA accredited facility is required; also, a minimum of three years of progressive work experience is strongly preferred. Must be available weekends, holidays, and for a flexible schedule and must be able to meet all other requirements of the job.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, this employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by his/her immediate supervisor. The Akron Zoo reserves the right to revise and change job duties as business requirements dictate.
The Akron Zoo is a Drug-Free Workplace and an EOE.
Salary : $25 - $0
