The Animal Keeper is responsible for the daily care and welfare of animals within their area. Each member of the Lehigh Valley Zoo team plays a crucial part of helping our organization save species.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Knowledge of current zoo animal husbandry standards and natural history for a diverse population of animals
- Knowledge of USDA and AZA standards
- Performs all daily husbandry tasks including cleaning and diet prep
- Must be able to evaluate and report animal behavior to Lead Keeper and Assistant Curator
- Maintains accurate and detailed daily animal records
- Implements and evaluates behavioral enrichment in accordance with zoo policy
- Basic knowledge of operant conditioning
- Assist the veterinary staff in capture and restraint, administration of prescribed medications and procedures as necessary
- Maintain exhibit aesthetics including routine exhibit maintenance and small repairs
- Demonstrates knowledge of zoo-wide and area emergency procedures
- Interacts with zoo visitors through animal presentations, scheduled and informal keeper talks and generally provide a positive guest experience
- Works cooperatively with other zoo departments
- Demonstrates an ability to work in a team setting with a positive attitude
- Demonstrates initiative and motivation to learn and complete projects
- Participate in regular Animal Care team meetings and trainings
- Communicates department updates to the team and supervisors in a timely and professional manner
- Other duties as assigned
Experience Required
- SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Animal handling skills
- Critical thinking skills to trouble shoot and reveal solutions to assist the progression of the animal care team
- Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently with purpose and accuracy as well in a group setting
- Excellent time management with ability to multitask
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability and desire to work as a team member
- Able to follow written and oral direction, exercise good judgment, and apply safety precautions applicable to the work
- Knowledge of and a history with operant conditioning techniques QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related field preferred or equivalent combination of training and experience
- Minimum one to two years, comparable level experience in a zoo environment
- Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hour assignments
- Possess a valid driver’s license PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Physical Demands: Employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occassionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. The employee must be able to drive Zoo vehicles
- Work Environment: You are often required to perform physical labor in varying weather conditions.
- You can be bitten, scratched, kicked, or otherwise harmed by wild animals.
Salary
- Starting $14/hour
