Keeper I - AAR

Description

Department: Living Collections

Supervisor: Collection Manager of Ambassador Animal Resources

Supervises: None

FLSA Status: Full Time, Regular, Non-exempt

Starting Pay Rate: $21.88/hour

Application Submission Deadline: 11/17/2023

General Statement:

The Keeper I in this position is responsible for the safety, health and well- being of all assigned animals through the performance of documented husbandry practices. This position supports designated public experiences, by training and mentoring internal guests (staff and volunteers), developing and maintaining animal cued behaviors and animal shows and programs. In addition to performing Keeper I duties, this position actively collaborates in the development and presentation of guest experiences that support the Phoenix Zoo's mission.

Essential Duties:

1. Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
2. Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures; observe and report any health or behavioral abnormalities of specimens; advise staff on nutritional concern or seasonal adjustments.
3. Perform assigned and approved behavioral enrichment activities and animal training procedures of assigned specimens in a timely manner and consistent with documented Standard Operation Procedures; assist in the development and implementation of SOPs within assigned area.
4. Train, capture, shape and maintain cued animal behaviors for husbandry, training and training programs for shows, presentation and guest experiences as required.
5. Conduct quality interpretive programs and stage shows that communicate the zoos key message and engage our guests.
6. Remain current on all Animal Handling Training Certification, interpretation and age-appropriate presentation methods.
7. Perform routine maintenance of facilities by maintaining and reporting any structural or mechanical problems; provide support in the development of facility plans and assessments; interact with maintenance staff as needed.
8. Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols.
9. Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.
10. Monitor the public to ensure the safety of guests and animals.
11. Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to support designated public experiences and other communication activities that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments.)

Qualifications

1. Bachelors degree in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.
2. High school diploma required.
3. Operant conditioning experience.
4. Minimum 1 year paid experience or volunteer work relevant to animal husbandry, animal training and animal interpretation.
5. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
6. Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.
7. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
8. Possession of a valid drivers license.
9. Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.

Salary : $22 - $0