Lead Keeper - Ambassador Animals

Minutes from downtown, Zoo Atlanta is the oldest and one of the most respected cultural destinations in the Southeast’s largest and most vibrant city. Culture, dining, nightlife, and famously eclectic neighborhoods, not to mention a temperate climate year-round, attract a growing number of newcomers to the one-and-only Atlanta. Atlanta is known as the “City in the Trees,” with the Zoo and surrounding neighborhood showcasing why. The zoo is in a strong financial position and is committed to investing in our staff and facilities to continue our focus on animal care, research, and conservation. We offer competitive pay rates, a diverse animal collection and an enriching work environment. We are looking for new team members dedicated to providing the best in animal welfare.

Job Purpose:

• The Lead Keeper is a supervisory position that also plays an active role in regular animal husbandry.
• Lead Keepers are responsible for implementing departmental activities and staff training for the area.
• The Lead Keeper is responsible for overseeing animal husbandry, including training and enrichment. Additionally, lead keepers are responsible for maintenance of habitats, holdings, and public areas as assigned.
• Working with the area curators, the Lead Keeper is required to provide and promote positive leadership in a team environment.
• The Lead Keeper reports to the area curators as part of a cohesive management team.
• For more information about our animal, conservation, and research programs visit www.zooatlanta.org.

Job Summary:

• The Ambassador Animals Department consists of 3 separate animal areas.
• World of Wild Theater is home to roughly 14 birds including parrots, raptors, and exotics. Most of these residents perform behaviors in a free flight environment through presentations and demonstrations.
• Wieland Wildlife Home houses 37 individuals across 22 species of tractable animals including small mammals, reptiles, invertebrates and birds whose primary role is supporting our education department with on-grounds and off-grounds presentations while keepers present animals during encounters and shows.
• Outback Station encompasses Patagonian mara, alpaca, pigs and our goat and sheep contact yard. Keepers staff the yard and conduct keeper talks year-round.
• The Lead Keeper is responsible for day-to-day management of these animals and manages, along with the curator team, the keeper staff as assigned.

Essential Duties, Skills and Responsibilities: 

• Effectively monitor health and behavior of the animal collection and communicate changes to supervisor and veterinary staff. Oversee administration of medications as applicable.
• Coordinate in the collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection including, but not limited to, training, enrichment, research, and education.
• Complete behavioral management training and both utilize and model operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
• Actively participate in the improvement of area policies, procedures and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the collection and the safety of staff and guests.
• Demonstrate initiative towards continually improving advanced keeper duties including excellent animal care and guest interactions.
• Use strong interpersonal skills to form and maintain positive relationships within the work environment and the ability to foster these skills in others.
• Demonstrate leadership through example by fully supporting Zoo Atlanta’s strategic plan, mission and values, and work with all zoo staff to support these plans.
• Positively promote and foster work that improves department function and productivity to exceed standards as well as using leadership to promote a team environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to positively manage keeper staff, volunteers and interns.
• Demonstrate the ability to meet challenges with a solution oriented approach.
• Actively pursue opportunities to participate in workshops, seminars, activities and conferences aimed at continually improving job knowledge and professional development with the goal of benefitting the Zoo Atlanta organization.
• Promote communication and information sharing between the zoological community.
• Represent Zoo Atlanta by participating in AZA programs, TAGs, SSPs, studbooks, etc.
• Responsible for special projects, procedures, and goals set forth by the Curator or Assistant Curator.
• Support Zoo Atlanta’s conservation and research initiatives.
• Must be dependable and willing to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays.
• Supervision will be required of not only keeper staff, but also adult volunteers and interns.
• The ability to use light power tools after suitable training.
• Good communication skills, an enthusiasm for interacting with the public and a willingness to give regular talks to guests, special groups, etc.
• While the Lead Keeper must be able to function as a team member, they also must be willing and able to provide necessary leadership and mentoring to staff.
• Willingness to take on the role of Curator on Duty on a rotating basis.
• Perform in presentations with animals for up to 300 people, participate in script writing and editing, and coach staff on their performance.
• 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 management.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 10 years’ exotic animal care experience as determined by Zoo Atlanta is preferred. Sufficient relevant experience will be considered. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is also preferred.
• Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques is required.
• Must have strong written and oral skills.
• Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.
• Strong skills in free flight bird management (including coping skills, telemetry use, and diet management), ruminant husbandry (including hoof care) and/or strong skills in presenting small animals for audiences of all ages.
• Experience presenting animals to all ages in an amphitheater environment.
• Willingness to learn to mentor new trainers within the framework Zoo Atlanta provides.

Education:

• Four-year degree in biology, psychology, or related field is preferred; sufficient relevant experience will be considered.

Driving Requirements:

• Must obtain and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and have the physical ability to perform strenuous work.

MISC:

• 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 EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment

Perks

• Health,
• Dental,
• Vision,
• 403(B),
• PTO,
• and more.