Facility
The Living Desert
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Living Desert is seeking a qualified candidate to join our Animal Department Team as a Seasonal, Part-Time Lorikeet Keeper. The Lorikeet Keeper is an energetic front-line staff position responsible for providing the highest quality daily care, husbandry and behavioral management of approximately 60 lorikeets in the seasonal Lorikeet habitat at The Living Desert, and assist in other animal areas as needed.
The lorikeet keeper educates, engages and provides exemplary guest service experiences for all Zoo guests through various programs, activities and continuous guest interaction as outlined by Animal management.
This person must have the ability to make good decisions regarding the welfare of animals, staff and guests. This person will support the Zoo in our mission “to support desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation” and will help the Zoo achieve a forward-thinking vision of a modern zoo and inclusive culture.
Position Summary:
Reports to Animal Care Curator. This position may also assist Animal Keepers on the Mojave or Sonora areas, and will provide guest engagement opportunities including but not limited to keeper chats. Seasonal position starts September 2018 and runs until April 30th 2019.
Specific Animal Keeper Tasks, Duties & Responsibilities:
• Ability to provide exemplary care for lorikeet collection, including operant conditioning and enrichment.
• Ability to accurately monitor and portion daily allotment of food and nectar.
• Cleans and maintains animal holdings, including the use of chemical agents and special tools to assure the health and safety of the animals.
• Identifies, recognizes and reports any abnormal behavior of all the animals in their department.
• Develops a good line of communication with the Animal Care Manager and Animal Department to ensure that all facilities and animals are in good order, and that all problems are reported.
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting, as well as independently.
• Properly utilizes ZIMS, the animal record keeping systems within the department. Documents animal behaviors or issues on the Daily Report.
• Responsible for capturing, crating, and transferring animals using appropriate restraint and handling techniques designed to put the least amount of stress on the animal.
• Monitors weather related needs for the animals in their department and shelters animals appropriately.
• Uses proper techniques in shifting animals on their assigned routine.
• Uses operant conditioning with the animals in their department and enriches appropriately.
• Ensures a positive experience when Zoo Guests are feeding Lorikeets in Aviary.
• Delivers and maintains a dynamic interpretive and educational experience in the lorikeet exhibit.
• May assist in other animal areas.
• Other duties as required.
• Assist with events and special programs.
Equipment Used:
PC computer, general office equipment, telephone, radio, electric and gas cart, rake, shovel, wheel barrow, capture net, weight scale, garden hose, measuring scale, etc.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications:
• High school degree, some college preferred in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related
• Will substitute training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities. Generally, one year of full time exotic animal experience will translate to one year of college.
• Valid California driver license.
• Must be insurable on The Living Desert’s automobile policy.
Specific Skills:
• General knowledge of bird husbandry and excellent observational skills.
• Must have effective communication skills and the ability to work with others in a team setting.
• Ability to give and comprehend written and oral instructions, and to accurately carry out such instructions.
• Must be capable of emergency response handling to avoid injury to self, others, and animal.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in the event of an unpredictable situation and follow through until situation is over.
• Must represent The Living Desert in a professional manner, and act accordingly at all times.
• Ability to speak to guests and give animal presentations both informally and formally.
• Excellent observational skills.
• Must have strong organizational and time management skills and ability to be flexible.
• Ability to record and articulate observations intelligently using Zims record keeping system.
• Must be a motivated self-starter who needs minimal supervision.
Physical Position Description:
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS: Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting up to 50lbs.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Outdoors with exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, and dust/airborne materials.
HOLIDAY WORK: Holiday and weekend work required.
TRAVEL: None
Compensation and benefits
$13.94/hr
Application instructions
To apply for this position: Qualified applicants must send resume, three (3) references and cover letter to Christine Montgomery, Animal Care Curator at animalcaremanagers@livingdesert.org. Cover letter should include how you will be key in moving the Animal Department forward, and how you will move The Living Desert mission forward. Deadline for submissions: Saturday August 25h, 2018 at 5pm (pst).