Facility
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
This position will be for a Bird Keeper. Performs all duties entailed in the husbandry and care of an exotic animal collection at an ZAA accredited facility. This position will work across a variety of taxa.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
• On your own or with other Keepers perform all day to day duties required in maintaining an assigned area of the Zoo.
• Work without close supervision. Exercise sound judgment in analyzing emergency situations. Follow all safety guidelines and policies during general duties as well as emergency situations.
• Preparation of animal diets; feeding and watering animals according to a predetermined schedule.
• Cleaning, disinfection and maintenance of animal exhibits, holding areas and Zoo grounds.
• Operating trucks, tractors and other machinery as necessary.
• Capture and restraint of animals when necessary for treatment, general husbandry or shipment.
• Treatment of sick or injured animals as directed by veterinary staff.
• Maintenance and repair of animal cages, shelters and dens.
• Observation and monitoring of animal behavior and physiology.
• Submission of detailed written reports concerning animals and condition of assigned area.
• Recommendations concerning diet changes and exhibit modification which would improve breeding potential, visitor experience and general well-being of the animals.
• Conducting tours, giving animal care demonstrations and other oral presentations to zoo visitors, school groups, potential donors, etc.
• Supervision, guidance and mentorship of the activities of Keeper-aide volunteers in their tasks as assigned at the Zoo.
• Must respond per protocols and training to any various array of emergencies, including, but not limited to animal escapes.
• Oversee, create, organize and manage physical and behavioral enrichment activities for assigned area per given day.
Disclaimer: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of an employee assigned to this job.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications (Knowledge Of):
• Animal biology, nutrition, natural history, behavior and medical health.
• General husbandry practices, animal restraint and capture techniques.
• Animal behavior, common environmental enrichment, and animal training practices.
• Basic animal first aid and emergency treatment.
• Safe work practices while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals.
Abilities:
• Make minor repairs and perform general maintenance and light construction utilizing various hand held power tools.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions and communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Be proficient in general computer use including common programs such as Word & Excel.
• Make oral presentations to groups.
• Perform general duty labor for extended periods and under adverse weather conditions.
• Lift, carry and push or pull objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
Experience: A minimum of two years previous experience in exotic animal care (at a zoo, aquarium or similar facility) is preferred.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Biological Sciences (i.e. Biology, Zoology, and Ecology) or related discipline is preferred. Experience may be accepted in lieu of education.
Compensation and benefits
9-9.50 per hour
No Benefits.
Application instructions
To Apply: Send resume and references to mlawrence@cwpzoo.com. State “BIRD KEEPER” in the subject line.
Position opened until filled