Job Summary: The Flex Keeper supports the entire Primate Department by providing flexible animal care coverage across multiple primate areas. This position is designed to adapt to daily and weekly operational needs, with assigned areas changing during the week and/or day based on staffing levels, animal needs, and departmental priorities. The Flex Keeper plays a critical role in maintaining continuity of care, animal welfare, and safety standards across the department. This position is ideal for a keeper who thrives on variety, adaptability, and supports team success across a diverse department.
- This is a full-time position with a five (5) day work week.
- Due to the rotating nature of assignments, training opportunities may be limited and will focus on core competencies rather than deep specialization in a single area.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Must be willing to support Zoo Atlanta’s strategic plan, mission and values, and work with all zoo staff to support these plans.
- Must be able to balance working on multiple routines and be flexible in moving between routines as required.
- Support and/or participate in collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection including training, enrichment, research, and education.
- Complete behavioral management training provided by Zoo Atlanta. Depth of behavioral training in any single area may be limited due to the diverse and rotating schedule.
- Depth of routine training in any single area may be limited due to the diverse and rotating schedule. Training will focus on essential husbandry tasks, safety protocols, and animal welfare standards across multiple areas.
- Complete animal welfare training provided by Zoo Atlanta, participate in animal welfare assessments, and contribute to follow-through on animal welfare action items when necessary.
- Effectively monitor health and behavior of the animal collection and communicate changes to supervisor and veterinary staff.
- Oversee administration of medications as applicable.
- Follow established protocols, routines, and standard operating procedures specific to each primate area.
- Ensure the highest standards of care for the collection and the safety of staff and guests.
- Maintain a high-performance level of guest interactions including scheduled on-ground talks.
- Positively promote and foster work that improves department function and productivity.
- Communicate effectively with supervisory staff and co-workers both written and orally to ensure consistency of care.
- Support departmental operations by filling staffing gaps due to vacations, training, medical leave, or other needs.
- Write daily reports, logs, animal records, and other records assigned
- Serve as a point of contact for interns and volunteers providing guidance and direction as needed.
- Must be able to quickly transition between areas, routines and team dynamics.
- Flexibility of daily and weekly assignments may vary and change with little notice.
- Must be able and willing to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays.
- Must be able to be trained and carry pepper spray.
- Must be willing to comply with department PPE policy.
- 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:
- Prior experience working with primates is strongly preferred.
- Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
- Knowledge of basic animal husbandry principles and safe animal handling practices.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Must have the ability to:
- demonstrate focus, follow written and verbal instructions, effectively promote organization, manage stress to perform the job effectively, remember details, manage time effectively, apply critical thinking techniques, analyze, and solve problems.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.
- Must be able to use light power tools after suitable training.
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 with a safe driving record.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
- Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and have the physical ability to perform strenuous work.
- Must be able to stand, walk, bend, climb, and perform repetitive tasks throughout the workday.
- Must have the ability to safely work around dangerous animals.
- Must be able to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
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
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid life and disability insurance, paid time off (PTO) and holidays, 403(b) retirement savings, employee assistance program (EAP), employee discounts and perks, professional development opportunities.
Salary
- $18.70 To $26.06 Hourly
