Birds & Ambassador Animals Keeper- FT

If you are a practiced animal care professional that has prior experience in maintaining and caring for a variety of species and enjoys conducting informal and formal presentations, look no further your next career is at the Indianapolis Zoo! We are currently on the hunt to add a Birds & Ambassador Animals Keeper to our flock! Don't fly past this exciting opportunity!

• The ideal candidate is committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.
• Daily responsibilities of this position include working with a variety of bird species and ambassador animals, keeper chats with the general public, as well as assisting with special projects.
• Prior experience working with an animal ambassador team and/ or working with psittacines and/or softbills is highly desirable.
• Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment activities, and public speaking skills are a requirement of this position.
• The successful candidate must display a professional attitude and appearance to all visitors, co-workers, and volunteers.
• Must be strongly team-oriented and possess excellent communication (both written and verbal) skills.
• This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, position that will be required to work mandatory overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• This role involves a great deal of interaction with the general public, requiring good public speaking skills and the ability to provide outstanding customer service.
• This position will assist with the training of seasonal care staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Working with a variety of birds and ambassador animals requires a special skill set and physical responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:
• One (1) year of prior related work experience using operant conditioning and enrichment programs for bird species and/ or ambassador animals.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/ university in Life Sciences, Zoology, or a related field is required.
• Must be able to participate in area chats, feeds, and behind-the-scenes tours.
• Completes area daily and weekly duties, including reports.
• Assists with research projects and exhibit modifications.
• Physical strength and stamina with the ability to perform very heavy work, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
• Ability to transport and move items, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
• Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium to perform various jobs.
• Ability to detect, assess, identify, and observe surroundings to make sound judgments, along with the ability to communicate verbally, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio and telephone.
• Valid driver's license and driving record that is insurable by our carrier.

To apply:

• Interested candidates must complete an online Zoo application.
• Interested applicants must include a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to be considered.
• Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.

Perks

• Work for the wildest employer in Indianapolis!
• Some perks include,
• Medical (Health Savings Account with employer contribution included),
• Dental,
• Vision,
• and Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability paid through the Zoo for eligible employees;
• 403(b) Retirement Plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Immediate Paid Holidays, complimentary Zoo Membership, Reciprocal Benefits to other local institutions, and many, many more!!!

Salary

• starting at $19.00/hr.