The Keeper Equine Instructor 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 instructs and assists in Equine Horsemanship, care-giving and beginning riding classes under the provide curriculum. The Keeper in this position is also responsible for engaging and interacting with guest in support of designated guest experiences that support the Phoenix Zoo's mission.
Essential Duties:
- Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
- Assist and instruct in Equine Horsemanship and care-giving classes under the provided curriculum.
- Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures; report any observed health or behavioral abnormalities of specimen.
- Assist in the development of protocols for the restraint and treatment of assigned animals; Amend and update Standard Operating Procedures as assigned.
- Perform assigned and approved Behavioral Enrichment activities and Animal Training procedures of assigned specimens in a timely manner and consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures.
- 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.
- 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.
- Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols.
- Perform minor repairs to exhibits; interact with maintenance staff as needed and as assigned. Document and report any structural or mechanical problems.
- 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 ensuring the safety of guest and animals.
- Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to support designated public experiences and other communication activities and goals that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events.
- 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.)
Qualifications
- Equine experience required. Must be 18 years or older.
- Bachelors degree in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.
- High School diploma required.
- CHA Certified or ability to become CHA Level 1 certified preferred.
- Experience in teaching/lessons required. Beginner Western Riding and Horsemanship preferred.
- Operant conditioning experience preferred.
- 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 drivers 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
