The Oregon Zoo has a reputation for leading groundbreaking research, participates in local and global conservation efforts, and strives to exceed AZA animal welfare standard. The zoo is also deeply committed to sustainability and conservation education. Thanks to a generous $380 million voter approved bond measure, the zoo is transforming into a game changing facility welfare, species and habitat conservation outcomes, and green building practices.
- We are excited to provide an opportunity to join the team as a limited duration Animal Keeper in the North America area.
- If you‘re passionate about wildlife and have a deep interest in a variety of taxa, this could be the perfect role for you.
- In this position, you’ll play a vital role in the care and well-being of native North American species, including small and large carnivores; hoofstock; birds of prey; waterfowl; small mammals; reptiles; amphibians and fish.
- As an Animal Keeper, you’ll be responsible for a variety of tasks, including daily husbandry activities and other essential duties that contribute to the welfare of the animals in our care.
- As an Animal Keeper – North America, you will
- Perform and coordinate day-to-day animal husbandry and specialty duties required for native species listed above.
- Participate in partnership conservation programs by caring for animals in accordance with agreed upon procedures and contracts.
- Observe animals to identify and report normal and abnormal behavior, reproductive behavior, seasonal variability, eating habits, health problems, injuries, and adjustment to diet changes or response to medication.
- Stay up to date on current industry care standards for the designated species, including but not limited to feeding strategies, introduction methods, breeding and rearing practices, social management, training practices and strategies, and engaging enrichment.
- Utilize the principles of operant conditioning to facilitate daily husbandry, behavioral modification, and medical procedures.
- Service a variety of animal environments including cleaning and disinfecting holdings, yards, pools, and food and water receptacles.
- Develops safe work habits and contributes to the safety of self and co-workers.
- Check conditions of animal environments to assess security and safety for animals. Initiate corrective actions for deficiencies.
- Designs, develops, and implements enrichment opportunities. Instigate or provide suggestions for enrichment programs/items which demonstrate knowledge of designated species’ natural biology and individual animal needs; provide designated enrichment to species under care.
- Administer medications, as prescribed by veterinarians. Communicate response to medication or other treatments and address concerns as needed.
- Assist with capture, restraint, or segregation of animals for transfer or medical treatment.
- Conduct informative and professional talks and tours through area of responsibility.
- Keep concise, objective records regarding diet, daily animal health and behavior, births, deaths and transfers.
- Maintain animal care standards and works in compliance with all USDA and AZA rules, regulations, and guidelines, as well as safety rules, OSHA standards, work rules, and Zoo and area policies and procedures.
- Contribute to a positive team atmosphere thorough the daily coordination of work with colleagues, supervisors, horticulturists, custodians, security, maintenance and other zoo staff.
- Effectively communicate to managers, team members other zoo departments and guests.
Attributes for success
- Knowledge of animal husbandry practices for species under care.
- Comfort and experience working with exotic and potentially dangerous animals in a safety-oriented work environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Contribute to a positive team atmosphere and contribute in a close, team-oriented environment.
- Passion for animal care and native animal conservation.
- Ability to be flexible in a fast-paced environment.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
- At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities.
- Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region.
- Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
- Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan
TO QUALIFY
- We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required.
- Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science in biology, zoology or related field, AND
- Three years professional animal keeper experience working with a variety of species, including dangerous carnivores, birds, and ectotherms OR
- Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.
Required
- Valid driver’s license
- Shift: Full time (40 hours per week) including Saturdays and Sundays.
Like to have qualifications
- You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
- One year working with dangerous carnivores
- One year working with birds
- One year working with ectotherms
Salary
- $30.85 - $41.36 Hourly
