Swing Keeper I, II or III

Facility

Zoo Atlanta

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Zoo Atlanta Job Description Template

Job Title: Swing Keeper I, II, or III Updated 2017

Department: Mammals

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 Swing Keeper will report to the area managers. The Mammal Department is composed of four areas that a swing keeper may work in based on departmental needs. These areas include: Carnivores, Elephants, Hoofstock, and Zoo Atlanta’s Outback Station. For more information about our animal, conservation, and research programs visit www.zooatlanta.org.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, SKILLS, AND RESPONSIBILITES:
Keeper I
•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 excellent animal care 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.
•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.

Keeper II and Keeper III
•All duties listed in keeper I description.
•Maintain a high-performance level of advanced keeper duties including excellent animal care and guest interactions.
•Actively foster constructive attitudes and positively participate in a team environment.
•Support Zoo Atlanta and its departments which include marketing, education, veterinary services, facilities and external department initiatives.
•Demonstrate the ability to coordinate and supervise activities of interns and volunteers.
•Communicates effectively with supervisory staff and co-workers, both written and orally.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Keeper I
•Prior related exotic animal care experience is required. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
•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.

Keeper II
•A minimum of 3 years prior related animal care experience as determined by Zoo Atlanta is required. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
•Good communication skills, an enthusiasm for interacting with the public and a willingness to give regular talks to guests, special groups, etc.
•Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques is preferred.
•Must have strong written and oral skills.
•Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.
•Demonstrate the ability to use light power tools after suitable training.

Keeper III
•All qualifications for Keeper II in addition to a minimum of 5 years’ animal care experience as determined by Zoo Atlanta is preferred. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is also preferred.

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.

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