Animal Keeper - Jungle Trails Team

Description: This is a full-time (40 hours per week with benefits) Union keeper position, which is subject to the successful completion of a probationary (or trial period) and the deduction of union dues. Regular off-days will be determined upon hire but will fall between Monday thru Friday. The area schedule consists of 5 8-hour days.

Summary:

• This position encompasses skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures, and related facilities in the Primate Department.
• Animals within the area include species of prosimians, monkeys, and apes.
• Duties may include related tasks and/or unrelated duties as assigned.

Position Benefits:

• Union negotiated pay rates, with a starting range between 21.15-25.06 per hour, determined by years of field experience.
• We offer a highly competitive benefits package supporting our employees’ Total Well-Being, including comprehensive & affordable medical, dental & vision coverage (starting the first day of the month following date of hire); free mental health counseling and coaching, 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off (200 PTO hours accrued throughout the first year of service, 80 of which are loaded into the PTO bank upon hire); company-paid disability & life insurance;
• park discounts and free passes.

Facility culture that highlights the following core values:

• Collaborative Relationships
• Pride, Passion, and a Sense of Ownership
• Positivity and Energy
• Accountability, Mutual Trust, and Respect
• Progressive Thinking
• Intentional professional development opportunities, for both animal care and "people” skills

Qualifications:

• Demonstration of excellent communication and problem-solving skills, while applying good judgment, to deliver animal care and guest experiences that meet the highest standards
• Demonstration of knowledge and successful experience in animal husbandry, operant conditioning, and understanding of modern zoological practices
• The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers (including staff, interns, students and volunteers)
• A degree in the biological sciences or related field
• 3 years of primate husbandry experience in an AZA institution preferred, with preference for:
• Experience with chimpanzees and/or bonobos, with fission/fusion social management
• Experience with new-world primates and/or mixed species habitat management
• Operant conditioning experience with blood draw, cardiac ultrasound, and blood pressure behaviors for great apes is preferred
• Experience with outdoor habitat maintenance is preferred
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered

Duties:

• Clean animal displays, holding areas, service areas, public sections and grounds
• Complete inspection of all enclosures to ensure the safety of the animals
• Identify maintenance issues and correct or repair each as required, reporting non-correctable maintenance issues, including potential safety hazards, to the Team Leader and/or Zoological Manager
• Observe general animal health and behavior, daily, and report any abnormal circumstances to a supervisor
• Maintain records of health, behavior, enrichment, operant conditioning and visitor engagement
• Prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures for the animal collection
• Perform operant conditioning and enrichment programs in assigned areas
• Instruct new personnel in the proper methods of animal care and handling consistent with approved policies and procedures
• Assist in the training, supervision, evaluation of volunteers, interns, and vocational students, as needed
• Assist animal health and curatorial staff with animal handling, capture, restraint, transport and medication administration
• Support visitor engagement programs
• Interact with the public and Zoo staff in a professional and courteous manner
• Make decisions consistent with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden policies and procedures when required
• Perform daily duties in all sections of assigned department as required
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Working Conditions:

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand;
• walk;
• bend;
• climb or balance;
• lift, grasp;
• and negotiate stairs and ladders. 
• In addition, the employee may be exposed to Zoonosis, chemicals, and outside weather conditions;
• Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance;
• must possess a valid driver’s license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle). 

To apply for this position:

• Qualified applicants must apply via our online application on our website at http://cincinnatizoo.org/about-us/job-opportunities/. 
• Cover letter and resume should be included in your online application.
• We strive to be an organization that is diverse and reflects the fullness of society.
• With a strongly held value for an organizational culture characterized by inclusion and belonging, we are committed to equity in all we do.
• We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to our organization’s diversity and who want to walk alongside us in our commitment to inclusion and equity.
• We are a Queen City Certified/Ellequate Leader in Workplace Equity.
• Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Perks

• Full Benefits

Salary

• Starting pay range is $21.15 - $25.06/hour, DOE