The Keeper I in this position is responsible for the safety, health and well- being of all assigned animals through the performance of documented husbandry practices. This position supports designated public experiences, by training and mentoring internal guests (staff and volunteers), developing and maintaining animal cued behaviors and animal shows and programs. In addition to performing Keeper I duties, this position actively collaborates in the development and presentation of guest experiences that support the Phoenix Zoo’s mission.
Keeper II:
- The Keeper II in this position is responsible for the safety, health and well- being of all assigned animals through the performance of documented husbandry practices.
- This position supports designated public experiences, by training and mentoring internal guests (staff and volunteers), developing and maintaining animal cued behaviors and animal shows and programs.
- In addition to performing Keeper II duties, this position actively collaborates in the development and presentation of guest experiences that support the Phoenix Zoo’s mission.
Senior Keeper:
- The Senior Keeper in this position is responsible for the daily care, safety, health and well-being of all assigned animals through demonstrated knowledge of documented husbandry practices.
- The Senior Keeper will demonstrate leadership and mentorship of other staff in the performance of assigned duties as well as to develop and maintain animal handling protocols.
- As part of regular Keeper duties, this position will engage and interact with guests in support of appropriate animal encounters and experiences that support the Phoenix Zoo’s mission.
Essential Duties:
Keeper I:
- Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
- Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures; observe and report any health or behavioral abnormalities of specimens; advise staff on nutritional concern or seasonal adjustments.
- Perform assigned and approved behavioral enrichment activities and animal training procedures of assigned specimens in a timely manner and consistent with documented Standard Operation Procedures; assist in the development and implementation of SOP’s within assigned area.
- Train, capture, shape and maintain cued animal behaviors for husbandry, training and training programs for shows, presentation and guest experiences as required.
- Conduct quality interpretive programs and stage shows that communicate the zoo’s key message and engage our guests.
- Remain current on all Animal Handling Training Certification, interpretation and age-appropriate presentation methods.
- Perform routine maintenance of facilities by maintaining and reporting any structural or mechanical problems; provide support in the development of facility plans and assessments; interact with maintenance staff as needed.
- Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols.
- Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.
- Monitor the public to ensure the safety of guests and animals.
- Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to support designated public experiences and other communication activities that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events.
Keeper II:
- Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
- Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures; observe and report any health or behavioral abnormalities of specimens; advise staff on nutritional concern or seasonal adjustments.
- Perform assigned and approved behavioral enrichment activities and animal training procedures of assigned specimens in a timely manner and consistent with documented Standard Operation Procedures; assist in the development and implementation of SOP’s within assigned area.
- Train, capture, shape and maintain cued animal behaviors for husbandry, training and training programs for shows, presentation and guest experiences as required.
- Conduct quality interpretive programs and animal stage shows that communicate the zoo’s key message and engage our guest as required.
- Remain current on all Animal Handling Training Certification, interpretation and age-appropriate presentation methods.
- Perform routine maintenance of facilities by maintaining and reporting any structural or mechanical problems; provide support in the development of facility plans and assessments; interact with maintenance staff as needed.
- Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols.
- Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.
- Monitor the public to ensure the safety of guests and animals.
- Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to support designated public experiences and other communication activities that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events.
Senior Keeper:
- Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
- Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures; observe and report any health or behavioral abnormalities of specimens and administer prescribed medication to specimens; assist in the development of protocols for the restraint and treatment of assigned animals; amend and update Standard Operating Procedures as assigned.
- Perform routine maintenance of facilities by maintaining and reporting any structural or mechanical problems; provide support in the development of facility plans and assessments; interact with maintenance staff as needed; assist in routine purchasing as assigned.
- Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols.
- Assist with training for new staff and volunteers, ensuring appropriate knowledge and understanding of section SOP’s and that training protocols are followed by staff.
- Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.
- Assist in the development and Implementation of approved behavioral enrichment initiatives in assigned areas; participate, as approved, on Behavioral Enrichment Committee; assist in the development of approved animal training procedures and collaborate with Manager and Keeper II regarding animal usage assessments.
- Monitor the public to ensure the safety of guests and animals.
- Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to support designated public experiences and other communication activities that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events.
- Initiate engagement and interaction with guests in support of the Zoo’s mission by developing and conducting interactive animal programs.
- This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job.
- Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments.)
Requirements:
- Requirements
Keeper I:
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.
- High school diploma required.
- Operant conditioning experience.
- Minimum 1 year paid experience or volunteer work relevant to animal husbandry, animal training and animal interpretation.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
- Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.
Keeper II:
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.
- High school diploma required.
- Operant conditioning experience.
- Minimum 2 years paid experience or volunteer work relevant to animal husbandry, animal training and animal interpretation.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
- Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.
Senior Keeper:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Life Science or equivalent experience required.
- Minimum 5 years experience or volunteer work relevant to animal husbandry, animal training and animal interpretation.
- Behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning experience preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of exotic animal nutrition, public engagement and communication, facility maintenance.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
- Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.
Perks
- The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation is committed to maintaining the health and well-being of its employees.
- We offer a wide range of benefits for qualified employees designed to address the diverse needs of our employees and their families, such as:
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Coverage (Domestic Partnership Benefits Available) Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long Term Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Sick Leave (PSL)
- 401(k) Plan with Match
- Phoenix Zoo Membership
- Employee WILD Rewards Program
- Service Awards
- Employee Cultural Exchange Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program (for qualified courses)
- Outside Vendor Discounts
