Ambassador Animals Keeper

Facility

Zoo Atlanta

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Job Title: Keeper I, II or III

Department: Ambassador Animals

Reports to: Sr. Curator, Asst curator, Lead keeper

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Status: Full-time

Job Purpose: This is a hands-on position participating in the daily husbandry, training, and maintenance of Zoo Atlanta’s free-flight bird presentation animals. This is a single position that can be filled by a Keeper I, II or III, according to experience.
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JOB FACTORS:

 Essential Duties & Responsibilities
• Maintain a high performance level as a primary keeper of the department’s presentation bird collection including raptors, parrots and exotics.
• Enthusiastically participate in daily husbandry and animal training sessions, exhibit maintenance, facility upkeep, unscripted animal encounters and scripted shows for audiences of up to 300 people.
• Monitor health and behavior of animal collection and communicate changes to supervisors and vet staff. Oversee administration of medications as applicable.
• Provide daily enrichment.
• Maintain accurate computer based records on animal health, training sessions, and interdepartmental communications.
• Coordinate and supervise activities of interns and volunteers as required.
• Work effectively both independently and as a member of a team within the department and across departments.
• Candidate is expected to maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures
• Must be willing to support Zoo Atlanta’s Vision, Mission and Values statement and departmental collection plan.
• Other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Keeper I

 Knowledge:
• Minimum of 6 months experience, primarily with free-flight bird presentations, preferably within an AZA institution.
• Experience working with a variety of species of birds.
• Knowledge of training theory, focusing on positive reinforcement techniques. (Practical application of positive reinforcement a plus.)
• Knowledge of making/maintaining raptor equipment a plus.
• Experience using radio telemetry a plus.
• Experience talking on a microphone during informal or scripted presentations a plus.

 Special skills and abilities:
• Ability to perform basic exhibit and equipment maintenance is preferred
• Must have good written and oral communication skills
• Must have an exceptional ability to interact with zoo visitors as a show presenter.
• Must have a positive attitude, supporting department goals and those of Zoo Atlanta.

QUALIFICATIONS: Keeper II
 Knowledge:
• Minimum of 3-years-experience, primarily with a free-flight bird show
• Experience hosting shows while working animals in live animal shows and in informal presentations.
• Experience using radio telemetry as a tool to safely fly birds WOW primaries only.
• A proven understanding, and practical use, of operant conditioning.
• An understanding of how to relate information to diverse crowds.

 Special skills and abilities:
• Must have the ability to improvise during shows based on immediate crowd feedback or animal behavior.
• Comfortable using tools for minor construction projects and exhibit maintenance a plus.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must have an exceptional ability to interact with zoo visitors under all circumstances.
• Must have a positive attitude, supporting department goals and those of Zoo Atlanta.

QUALIFICATIONS: Keeper III
 Knowledge:
• Minimum of 5-years-experience plus all KII requirements and special skills.
 Special skills and abilities:
• Demonstrates leadership skills
• Demonstrates interest in Zoo Atlanta, AZA, or other professional committees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Physical ability to perform strenuous work and lift 50 pounds on occasion.
• Ability and willingness to work in inclement weather and on weekends/holidays

EDUCATION:
• Four-year degree in biology, psychology, or related field (sufficient relevant experience will be considered in partial fulfillment of education requirement).

 Certificates/Licenses/Registrations
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license

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.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits