Facility
Zoo Atlanta
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Job Title: Elephant Keeper I, II, III
Department: Mammals
Reports to: Lead Keepers and Curatorial Staff
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Status:
Keeper I: Full-time hourly starting at $15.70. Pay commensurate with experience.
Keeper II: Full-time hourly starting at $17.95. Pay commensurate with experience.
Keeper III: Full-time hourly starting at $19.33. Pay commensurate with experience.
Zoo Atlanta is committed to regularly evaluating keeper salary.
Who you are: Zoo Atlanta’s Elephant Team, part of the Mammal Department, currently cares for 1.2 African elephants, meerkats, and naked mole rats. In 2019, Zoo Atlanta opened the new African savanna, which includes a state-of-the-art elephant facility and an expanding elephant program. Animal keepers are responsible for animal welfare and husbandry, including training and enrichment. Additionally, animal keepers are responsible for maintenance of habitats, holdings, and public areas as assigned. The Keeper I, II, or III will report to the area managers. For more information about our mission, animal, conservation, and research programs visit www.zooatlanta.org
How to apply: Please apply directly on the Zoo Atlanta Careers website at www.zooatlanta.org/careers
ESSENTIAL DUTIES, SKILLS, AND RESPONSIBILITES:
Must be willing to support Zoo Atlanta’s strategic plan, mission and values, and work with all zoo staff to support these plans.
Maintain a high-performance level of excellent animal care.
Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection including training, enrichment, research, and education.
Complete behavioral management training provided by Zoo Atlanta and utilize operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
Complete animal welfare training provided by Zoo Atlanta, participate in animal welfare assessments, and contribute to follow-through on animal welfare action items when necessary.
Effectively monitor health and behavior of the animal collection and communicate changes to supervisor and veterinary staff. Oversee administration of medications as applicable.
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 the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures.
Use strong interpersonal skills to form and maintain positive relationships within the work environment.
Maintain a high-performance level of guest interactions including scheduled on-ground talks.
Positively promote and foster work that improves department function and productivity.
Communicates effectively with supervisory staff and co-workers both written and orally.
Write daily reports, logs, animal records, and other records as assigned
Oversee activities of interns and volunteers.
Responsible for special projects, procedures, and goals set forth by the area managers.
Must be dependable and reliable: be timely, be responsive, be organized, meet deadlines, take responsibility, and help other zoo staff as needed.
Employees must strive to decrease our environmental footprint to serve as models to our patrons to do the same through education and example.
Must be able 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.
Education and Pre-requisites
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques is strongly preferred.
Must have the ability to: demonstrate focus, follow written verbal instructions, effectively promote organization, manage stress to perform the job effectively, remember details, manage time effectively, apply critical thinking techniques, analyze, and solve problems.
Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.
Must be able to use light power tools after suitable training.
Keeper I
Prior elephant experience and/or related exotic animal care experience is required. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
Keeper II
Prior elephant experience and/or related exotic animal care experience is required.
A minimum of 3 years prior related, paid animal care experience is required. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
Keeper III
Prior elephant experience and/or related exotic animal care experience is required.
A minimum of 5 years prior related, paid animal care experience is required. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is 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 with a safe driving record.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and have the physical ability to routinely perform strenuous work.
After being properly trained, all keepers working with, or around dangerous animals must be able to carry and utilize OC spray.
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/careers
Compensation and benefits
What we offer: As a workplace, Zoo Atlanta is very proud of a commitment to diversity and inclusion and a competitive compensation and benefits package. Benefits include but are not limited to outstanding medical coverage and 403b retirement program match; vacation time buy and sell; professional development training; paid time off for community volunteering; and more.
Perks for this full-time position include:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other supplemental insurance
Relocating stipend for qualifying new employees
Retirement Savings Plan (403b) with employer match after 12 months of service
Paid time off includes vacation, sick and personal days plus holidays
Tuition assistance program
Employee Assistance Program
Employee short term and long-term disability insurance paid for by Zoo Atlanta
Opportunities for professional development paid for by Zoo Atlanta
Local discounts and free admission to partnering attractions
Complimentary family Zoo membership
Discounted pricing on individual and family education programs, such as Safari Camp, Twilight Trek, NightCrawler, Survival Safari, and much more!
Join the standby list for free behind-the-scenes encounters with elephants, lemurs, giant pandas, aldabra tortoises!
Application instructions
Apply directly on the Zoo Atlanta careers website at www.zooatlanta.org/careers