Overview: Oversees care of a variety of bird species and habitats. The Lead Keeper works with the Supervisor to lead the team and will be the point person on days when the supervisor is not present. Acting as point person for the team will include organizing tasks of the day, communicating with leadership and other departments and addressing any personnel issues that may arise. Animal care includes behavioral observations, positive reinforcement training, preparing and providing enrichment, cleaning, engaging with the welfare committee, supervising keepers and interacting with the vet team.
- The Lead Keeper will be responsible for daily record-keeping, including daily reports, medication logs, welfare tracking, enrichment records, animal training records, and area notes.
- This position will work in all the area routines and be expected to be knowledgeable on all area animals to be able to lead keepers in the absence of a supervisor.
- The Lead Keeper will guide other keepers in group assignments as needed and serve as a mentor in all areas of animal care and training.
- This position may be responsible for overseeing specific training/enrichment goals with keepers.
- Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for wild animals in human care.
Reports To:
- Animal Care Supervisor
General Duties
- Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
- Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
- Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
- Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures
Animal Care
- Daily cleaning associated with the animal night house, habitat, and visitor viewing area
- Husbandry care for the animals in the area (feeding, medicating, training, enriching, and care specific to the species)
- Completes reports, including but not limited to daily animal reports, enrichment logs, water quality logs, training logs, medication logs, animal incident reports, etc.
- Taking initiative to assist other keepers on new activities (first time they weigh an animal or design enrichment)
- Develops & implements enrichment activities for animals following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols
- Trains utilizing positive reinforcement to aid in animal management & promote visitor education
- Monitors animal welfare and reports concerns to supervisor
- Follows all animal care protocols and policies
- Assists in the training of new staff and mentoring volunteers
Communication
- Communicates with supervisors on the progress of keepers they are directly leading in training or husbandry sessions
- Participates in formal presentations, e.g. Keeper talks, special events, behind-the-scenes tours, etc.
- Answers visitor questions concerning animals, conservation, zoo operations, etc.
- Participates in AZA groups, including SSP and TAGs when appropriate
- Health & Safety
- Assists in the capture and/or physical/ chemical restraint & transportation of animals
- Participates in emergency drills
- Willingness to serve on the safety team
- Willing to maintain proficiency with darting equipment & firearms if selected for the safety team
- Responds to animal emergencies following approved protocols
- Administrative Functions
- Complete all animal records in a variety of software programs, including Animal Care Software, ZIMS, etc.
- Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
- Associate’s degree in a biological science, animal, or zoology-related program, plus three to five years’ experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience, with approval from the Animal Care Director
- A valid, current, unrestricted driver license
- Successfully complete pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
- Comply with quarterly random drug testing if selected
- Proof of negative TB test within immediate past 12 months, OR, complete a pre-hire TB test (company paid) to be renewed annually
- Completes all training as required
- Participates in emergency drills
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships, at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors and the public
- Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast paced, public/guest attraction focused environment
- Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, act or change direction as needed
- Regular physical attendance at work
- Reliable and able to work to a schedule
- Must be able to work a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds often
- Bend, stoop, kneel, and reach frequently
- Stand and walk for long periods of time
- Repetitious motions with hands
- Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
- Must be able to work outside in either cold or hot weather conditions the majority of the time
- Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, animal or zoology-related program with six to eight years of exotic animal care experience
- Additional years of experience working in an AZA-accredited zoo facility or other park or public attraction environment strongly preferred
- Skilled with incubation, hand-rearing of birds and capture and restraint
- Bilingual (any language, including ASL)
- Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.
- Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship.
- The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process.
- If reasonable accommodation is needed, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Human Resources Dept.
Experience Required
- Associate’s degree in a biological science, animal, or zoology-related program, plus three to five years’ experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience, with approval from the Animal Care Director
Salary
- $19.37 ‒ $22.76 Hourly
