The Little Rock Zoo and the City of Little Rock is seeking a qualified Animal Keeper for Elephants, Hoofstock and Birds. This individual will be cross-trained to work with elephants, rhinos, hoofstock and birds. This position is responsible for the daily husbandry and management of the animals that they are assigned that day. The Little Rock Zoo has many exciting changes that will be occurring over the coming years and it’s a great time to join the Team.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
- Observes elephants, rhinoceros, a variety of hoofstock, small mammals and birds in assigned areas for changes in behavior and any injuries or illness; trains and works elephants in a protected contact management program; reports changes and problems to supervisor; evaluates and recommends changes to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare; implements approved changes.
- Provides overall daily care of assigned animal collection, to include penguins and other exotic animals utilized in zoo education programs and their habitats/exhibits at the Little Rock Zoo to ensure the health, safety, training and welfare of assigned animals are in compliance with all applicable guidelines, policies, procedures and standards to include the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) standards.
- Prepares food according to established diets
- Cleans enclosures/exhibits, using hand tools, hoses, disinfectants, etc. Trains to use skid-loader and forklift for exhibit maintenance and supplies.
- Maintains detailed records on animal observations, care and handling. Completes daily reports and veterinary prescriptions sheets daily with accuracy.
- Completes enrichment for daily use and special events
- Trains/maintains animals for minimum training standards for each species
- Submit work orders for repairs
- Be a participating member of the area team and contribute to discussions on recommended changes, upgrades, animal acquisition/disposition.
- Provide engaging experiences for zoo guests through keeper chats and unscheduled encounters.
- Performs minor maintenance and repairs to animal exhibits
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of techniques and philosophies required to work with exotic species.
- Knowledge of exotic animal behavior, physiology and habitat
- Knowledge of enclosure/exhibit construction and repair
- Knowledge of training (protected contact & operant conditioning) and enrichment for elephants and rhinoceros.
- Knowledge of ZIMS record keeping, and other computer programs such as Word and Excel
- Experience – Associate’s Degree in Biology, Life Sciences, Zoology, or a related field and one (1) year of experience working as an animal care professional, to include the care of elephants, large hoofstock, or other exotic animals in a zoological setting
