Part-Time, Animal Keeper-Animal Ambassador Program (24 hours per week)

Facility

Akron Zoo

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

The Akron Zoo has experienced remarkable success over the last two decades with tremendous attendance growth, strong financial sustainability, and an enviable record of repeated AZA accreditation certifications. This coupled with overwhelming community support demonstrated by the repeated passing of tax levy campaigns, which provide annual funding towards the Zoo’s operating and capital needs.

The Zoo is poised for continued growth and development having just completed new strategic, master, and conservation plans that outline several important projects including a new $25M+ African exhibit expansion which will add giraffe to the collection, a new animal hospital and increased resources directed to new conservation programs.

With that as a canvas, the Akron Zoo is seeking a part-time, 24-hour per week Animal Keeper with excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a mature attitude, to work exclusively with the Animal Ambassadors. This position is responsible for providing husbandry, training, and enrichment to animals, as well as providing public programming to a variety of audiences both on and off Zoo grounds with the bulk of the programming occurring during the spring and summer season. This position will also work in concert with Education Programming staff on animals that require complex behavior training. Successful candidates must be comfortable speaking to audiences of all ages.

Education and Pre-requisites

A four-year degree is strongly preferred; a minimum of an Associate’s degree or equivalent is required. A minimum of six months of animal care experience at an AZA facility is required; also, a minimum of three years of progressive work experience is strongly preferred. Physical work (which includes climbing and walking on uneven terrain; entering and wading into pools; climbing hills, stairs and ladders; wearing PPE; lifting up to 50 lbs.; and working outside in all weather conditions, etc.). Prior public presentation and animal training experience preferred. Must be available weekends, holidays, and for a flexible schedule. Must be able to meet all other requirements of the job.

This position is part-time, 24-hours per week, Collective Bargaining position. Hourly pay rate $18.15-$20.65 based on experience as per union contract.

Days off: Varied depending on staffing needs; schedule provided by supervisor at least 1 month in advance.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, this employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by his/her immediate supervisor. The Akron Zoo reserves the right to revise and change job duties as business requirements dictate.

Must have a valid driver license.

The Akron Zoo is a Drug-Free Workplace and an EOE, 18 years of age or over to apply.

Compensation and benefits