Float Keeper A or B, African Savanna and Rainforest

Position Summary

The Float Animal Keeper works across several different animal strings and has the opportunity to care for a variety of species, including giraffe, warthog, dromedary camel, plains zebra, klipspringer, agouti, meerkat, spotted hyena, tiger, lion, guenon, a small collection of African reptile species, and a large number of bird species including pied crow, hamerkop, white faced whistling duck, blue bellied roller, red crested turaco, Madagascar sacred ibis, hooded vulture, superb starling, speckled mousebird, taveta golden weaver, guira cuckoo, helmeted curassow, blue and gold macaw, and military macaw. This role will cover strings in the absence of the primary Animal Keeper(s) and will assist the primary keeper with duties and special projects as needed.

Essential Job Duties

• Use the tools of animal observation, enrichment, training and other management methods to ensure the best possible psychological well-being of the animals in their care
• Conduct ongoing assessment of their physical and psycho-social needs
• Design and implement steps to address these needs
• Implement Department/Zoo priorities as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements
• Guide and support junior staff and volunteers as appropriate
• Represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes and casual communication with Zoo guests
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Minimum Requirements

• A minimum of 1 year full time or 2080 hours experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility)
• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wild, dangerous animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions
• A negative TB test within the last year, tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years

Preferred Qualifications

• Code red or dangerous animal experience
• Knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application
• Ability to inspire guests in casual (e.g., one on one) and formal (i.e., programs) venues to take action for conservation
• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or a related field or a specialized Associate's degree (ex: Moorpark)

Work Environment

• Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. Work in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions, sometimes in or around significant dirt and dust

Physical Considerations

• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e., feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e., hay bale)
• Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Retailer plan
• Paid time off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Zoo Membership options

Salary

$27.81 - $28.45/hour