Lead Zoo Keeper

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customers’ needs through quality service is a shared goal.  All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

• Under general administrative direction of the General Curator or Zoo Managers this position will lead and assist in the day-to-day animal husbandry of the zoo collection.
• Assist in managing the animal training and enrichment programs to meet or exceed established AZA standards.
• Assume the role of Duty Manager during the normal operation hours as needed.
• Perform as Duty Manager for special events outside of normal operating hours at the zoo.
• When assigned Duty Manager, plan, organize and direct the overall operation of the Henry Vilas Zoo and perform related work as required.
• Oversee the animal care intern program in cooperation with keeper staff and Zoo Managers.
• Lead Keepers must serve on the Dangerous Animal Response team including the safe use of firearms.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Lead zoo keeping staff and personnel related activities under the direction of the General Curator and Zoo Managers.
• Provide information to assist Zoo Managers for hiring, coaching, and performance reviews.
• Under the direction of the Zoo Managers manage the animal husbandry and training activities for staff; manage and coordinate work assignments for Zoo Keepers to ensure all animal care standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), other federal, state and local government agencies and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) are met.
• Acts as Duty Manager in the absence of Zoo Managers or Curator to ensure operational efficiency surrounding guest safety and communication.
• Follow veterinary care directives while properly observing, evaluating, and record/report animal behavior.
• Operate light motorized equipment such as lawn mowers and snow/blowers; perform routine janitorial duties; make minor repairs to buildings, structures and equipment; assist in loading and unloading materials; assist the Facilities staff as necessary.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

• Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to five (5) years of responsible Zoo Keeper experience in an Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) accredited Zoological Park.
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Zoology, another biological science (related field) may be substituted for one (1) year of the required five (5) years of experience.
• Preference will be given to applicants who have served in a Lead Zoo Keeper role and/or have had any supervisory experience at an AZA facility overseeing Zookeeper staff and animal husbandry. 

Special Requirements:  

• Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. 
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies.
• Lead Zoo Keepers must serve on the Dangerous Animal Response team.

Background Check Statement:

• Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities.
• Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. 
• However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:

• Exposure to all weather conditions for entire shift, exposed to dust, hay, dander, fumes, chemicals and potential injury by animals. Some periods of office work as well.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must be familiar with all aspects of zoo operations with an ability to assume the Duty Manager role, which is in charge of all zoo operations periodically.
• Must have knowledge of lead work management principles and the ability to effectively train, oversee, and monitor the work of others.
• Must have functional reasoning skills and the ability to direct others to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and/or diagrammatic form.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively, in writing and verbally, interpersonally, publicly, interdepartmentally and to the leadership team.
• Must have the ability to assign work to and work efficiently and cooperatively with others and have willingness to understand and respect diverse opinions concerning care and exhibition of a captive animal population.
• Must have knowledge of all aspects of zoo animal care, including: animal husbandry, operant conditioning, training, behavior, habitat enrichment, nutrition, healthcare, reproductive physiology, welfare and animal diseases.
• Must have the ability to observe animal behavior, identify changes and accurately record and report findings.
• Requires working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Must have considerable knowledge of proper animal handling, feeding, cleaning and care methods, animal record keeping policies and procedures.
• Must have considerable knowledge of animal exhibit and animal life support systems operations, and development and maintenance of animal habitats.
• Must have considerable knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to the care and exhibiting of endangered, threatened or otherwise regulated animals.
• Must have considerable knowledge of emergency procedures, particularly in animal endangerment responses, including willingness to be on the Dangerous Animal Response or Firearms team.
• Must be able to effectively lead and complete procedures under extremely stressful conditions.
• Must have the ability to organize and perform necessary duties in the most efficient, effective and safe manner.

Experience Required

• Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to five (5) years of responsible Zoo Keeper experience in an Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) accredited Zoological Park.
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Zoology, another biological science (related field) may be substituted for one (1) year of the required five (5) years of experience.
• Preference will be given to applicants who have served in a Lead Zoo Keeper role and/or have had any supervisory experience at an AZA facility overseeing Zookeeper staff and animal husbandry.

Salary

• $33.03-$35.75