Job Purpose: Bird Keepers are responsible for the daily husbandry, welfare, and behavioral management of a diverse avian collection. This includes training, enrichment, habitat maintenance, record keeping, and guest engagement. Keeper III-level team members also serve as team leads in the absence of management and provide mentorship to less experienced staff.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (All Levels) :
- Uphold Zoo Atlanta’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
- Provide high-quality daily care for birds, including feeding, cleaning, and health monitoring.
- Implement enrichment and operant conditioning programs.
- Conduct welfare assessments and support follow-through on action items.
- Monitor animal behavior and communicate concerns to supervisors and veterinary staff.
- Administer medications as directed.
- Maintain habitats, holdings, and public-facing areas to the highest safety and cleanliness standards.
- Maintain accurate animal records, logs, and daily reports.
- Participate in and support public presentations and guest interactions.
- Adhere to all safety protocols, SOPs, and PPE policies.
- Support special projects and departmental goals.
- Supervise and mentor interns and volunteers.
- Commit to environmental sustainability efforts within your role.
- Work weekends, holidays, and flexible hours as needed.
- Carry pepper spray and other protective gear as required.
- Additional Expectations by Keeper Level:
Keeper I
- Entry-level keeper with foundational knowledge of avian husbandry.
- Works under close supervision and is expected to gain competence across a variety of tasks.
Keeper II
- Requires minimum 3 years of bird care experience.
- Expected to work more independently and contribute to breeding/incubation efforts.
- Identifies and communicates area needs and supports the implementation of new protocols.
Keeper III
- Requires minimum 5 years of bird care experience.
- Demonstrates leadership, initiative, and the ability to serve as a point person in the absence of a manager.
- Coaches less experienced team members and leads complex projects.
- Serves as a liaison for cross-departmental collaboration and supports professional communication standards.
Qualifications:
- Prior animal care experience required; AZA-accredited facility experience preferred.
- Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques strongly preferred.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in computer-based record keeping and daily reporting.
- Ability to follow instructions, manage stress, apply critical thinking, and solve problems.
- Comfortable using light power tools (training provided).
- Ability to lift 30 lbs regularly and 50 lbs occasionally.
Education:
- Four-year degree in biology, psychology, zoology, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
- Driving Requirements
- Valid Georgia driver’s license with a safe driving record required.
Work Environment / Physical Demands:
- Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
- Must be able to perform strenuous physical labor.
Miscellaneous:
- This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.
- Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management.
- The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
- Zoo Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment.
Perks
- Health insurance, dental and vision coverage, 403(b) retirement plan, PTO and more.
