Senior Zookeeper - Area 2

Area 2 Senior Zookeeper

The Area 2 Senior Zookeeper performs general daily animal care functions including the maintenance of live exhibits and holding facilities, animal training, diet preparation and feeding, and enrichment delivery. This position guides the team in daily operations, serves as a resource and provides training for all animal care staff, volunteers, and interns in the development of job skills related to daily animal care, and, under manager direction, liaises with other teams and departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life science or related field
• At least five years of experience in exotic animal care or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience in animal care
• At least three years of experience working with venomous animals and teaching others safe venomous handling
• Experience with reptile and amphibian exhibit design, including environmental parameter management, exhibit building, and water quality management
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to ensure thorough and effective communication with a broad spectrum of stakeholders
• Experience leading a team and mentoring others preferred
• Ability to develop positive professional relationships with all levels of staff and volunteers
• Ability to work with potentially deadly animals (PDAs)
• Ability to act as the point of contact for area when managers are not present - including addressing animal/space issues (unplanned medical issues, escapes, malfunctioning/damaged infrastructure); liaising with other departments and teams as needed; making and communicating changes as needed
• Experience developing and writing SOPs, department policies, and animal behavior plans preferred
• Demonstrated computer competence to complete required record keeping and communication
• Experience using ZIMS preferred
• Dive-certified or ability to obtain dive certification
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

Benefits

• FREE Medical plan option
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Dental & Vision for employee & family
• 12 Full weeks of parental leave
• Additional Benefits: Generous Vacation and Personal time, 11 Holidays each year, 4% match and 3% employer contribution to your 401k, zoo discounts, employee-only zoo experiences, tuition reimbursement, additional medical benefits to meet your and your family's needs, and a FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

• Exposure to inclement weather; pollen, mold, dust, dirt, and other airborne contaminants; and temperature variations
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to anti-bacterial, disinfectants and other cleaning compounds
• Must be able to wear all required protective clothing and equipment
• Must be able to work near exotic and domestic animals and tolerate exposure to animal dander, animal wastes, and other zoonotic contaminants
• Must be able to lift at least 50lbs and stand for at least two hours
• Must be able and available to be tested annually for tuberculosis
• Must be, or able to be, immunized against Hepatitis-B and rabies