Fresh Water Principal Keeper

The Akron Zoo has experienced remarkable success over the last two decades with tremendous attendance growth, strong financial sustainability, and an enviable record of repeated AZA accreditation certifications. This coupled with overwhelming community support demonstrated by the repeated passing of tax levy campaigns, which provide annual funding towards the Zoo’s operating and capital needs. 

• The Zoo is poised for continued growth and development having just completed new strategic, master, and conservation plans that outline several important projects including a new $25M+ African exhibit expansion which will add giraffe to the collection, a new animal hospital and increased resources directed to new conservation programs. 
• With that as a canvas, the Akron Zoo is looking for a Fresh Water Principal Keeper who will be responsible for the overall care and welfare of the animals and spaces assigned to them (various freshwater systems including African cichlids, water quality lab, freshwater stingrays, aquatic turtles, and aquatic quarantine systems and procedures).
• They will be expected to use knowledge of species natural behaviors and natural habitats, water quality testing, exhibit structure and design, environmental parameters, and filtration systems.
• This keeper will be involved in routine preventative maintenance and LSS repairs.
• Basic skills in plumbing and LSS are preferred.
• Employee is expected to follow all area servicing guidelines, correct water quality issues, schedule routine water changes, and possess strong skills in record keeping.
• Employee must be able to act as a spotter in all Dangerous Animal areas and remain current on all 2-lock-2-key policies.
• This keeper will also periodically rotate through our other Ectotherm areas such as our herpetological, entomological and salt-water aquariums.
• Previous aquatic experience is preferred as well as basic working knowledge of entomology, reptiles, and amphibians is needed.   

Experience Required

• This position is full-time, 40-hours per week, Non-Exempt, Collective Bargaining position with benefits.
• Hourly rate ranges from $18.95-$21.45 (based on experience as per union contract).
• Candidates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a mature attitude, and a strong conservation ethic.
• Candidate must be able to complete physical work which includes climbing and walking on uneven terrain; entering and wading into pools; climbing hills, stairs and ladders; wearing PPE; lifting up to 50 lbs.; and working outside in all weather conditions.
• A four-year degree is strongly preferred; a minimum of an associate’s degree or equivalent is required.
• A minimum of six months of animal care experience at an AZA accredited facility is required; also, a minimum of three years of progressive work experience is strongly preferred.
• Must be available weekends, holidays, and for a flexible schedule and must be able to meet all other requirements of the job.
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.
• Therefore, this employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by his/her immediate supervisor.
• The Akron Zoo reserves the right to revise and change job duties as business requirements dictate.
• The Akron Zoo is a Drug-Free Workplace and an EOE.

Salary

• $18.95-$21.45 (based on experience as per union contract)