Zoo Keeper - Bird Team

Inspiring guests to connect with nature and take action to impact the future of our world? Being part of a dynamic, growing zoo that welcomes diversity, equity, inclusion and personal contribution? Explore a career with Reid Park Zoo.

• Reid Park Zoo, located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona is a mid-sized, regional zoological garden caring for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world in lush, naturalistic habitats.
• With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species.
• Reid Park Zoo maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is the co-leader of the Flamingo SAFE program to name a few recognitions.
• Attracting more than 500,000 guests annually, the Zoo is the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2025.
• The Zoo is located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona. Stunning high desert valley vistas surrounded by four mountain ranges offer a year-round paradise for cyclists, hikers, bird-watchers and outdoor enthusiasts. 
• Named the first UNESO City of Gastronomy dedicated in the United States, the City is a delight for foodies with a lively and developing dining, arts and cultural scene, and a lovely wine country just thirty minutes away.
• With the University of Arizona and its championship sports, top-notch medical facilities, and affordable housing, Tucson is a great place to bring the family and put down roots– a big city, yet with a comfortable, small-town feel.
• Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking a Bird Zoo Keeper.
• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, animal or zoology related plus two years of paid avian care experience at an AZA accredited facility OR Associate’s degree with three years paid avian experience at an AZA accredited facility.
• The Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create inspiring memories for all by connecting people and animals to ensure the protection of wild animals and wild places. 
• We provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages. Reid Park Zoo is the largest attended cultural attraction in Southern Arizona with approximately 500,000 visitors annually. 
• Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo implements an exciting master plan that will be investing over $60M in new exhibits over the next ten years.
• No phone calls or visits please. 
• This position is open until filled. 
• We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. 
• We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

Overview:     

• Reid Park Zoo is home to over 200 birds representing 50 species.
• The growing collection will focus on raising parent reared birds as well as hand rearing birds for a unique interactive aviary.
• The successful candidate will be hard working, detail oriented, committed to progressive animal care and welfare, and to maintaining a positive culture of openness, trust, and respect. 
• Animal care includes behavioral observations, positive reinforcement training, providing enrichment, cleaning, and engaging with the welfare committee as well as the supervisory and vet teams to ensure excellent animal welfare.
• The Keeper will be responsible for daily record keeping including daily reports, medication logs, welfare tracking, enrichment records, animal training records and area notes. 
• The Keeper may work in a variety of animal areas and may be a swing or primary keeper of an area. 
• Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for wild animals in captivity.

Reports To:   

• Animal Care Supervisor

Animal Care:

• Essential Job Duties:
• Daily cleaning associated with animal night house, habitat, and visitor viewing area.
• Husbandry care for the animals on the area (feeding, medicating, training, enriching and care specific to the species).

Other Job Duties:

• Completes reports including but not limited to daily animal reports, enrichment logs, water quality logs, training logs, medication logs, animal incident reports, etc.
• 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 report concerns to supervisor.
• Follows all animal care protocols and policies.
• Assist in the training of new staff and mentoring volunteers.
• Completes all trainings as required.
• Variable shift work is possible.

Communication:

• 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.

Health & Safety:

• Assists in the capture and/or physical/ chemical restraint & transportation of animals.
• Participates in emergency drills. 
• Willing to maintain proficiency with darting equipment & firearms if selected for safety team.  Willingness to serve on safety team.
• Responds to animal emergencies following approved protocols.
• Stays current on required vaccinations.

Administrative Functions:

• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies such as completing expense reports and purchasing or cash handling procedures. 
• Complete all animal records in variety of software programs including Animal Care Software, ZIMS, etc.

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, animal or zoology related plus two years of paid avian care experience at an AZA accredited facility OR Associate’s degree with three years paid avian experience at an AZA accredited facility.
• COVID booster acquired after September 2022.
• Willing to undertake an annual TB skin test (AZA requirement).
• Valid driver license.
• Regular physical attendance at work.
• Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for exotic & dangerous animals in a zoological institution.
• Demonstrated critical analysis, customer service, problem solving, conflict resolution, decision making, leadership, team building, time management, and motivational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate and resolve conflicts, maintain confidentiality and to respect and observe organizational protocol.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of RPZS and coworkers as well as diverse volunteers, guests, donors, community partners, vendors and others.
• Able to work flexible work schedule and adjust as required. Weekend, special event and some holiday work are required.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach.
• Stand for long periods.
• Repetitious motion with hands.  Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools.
• Please note that this document 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, please contact the Human Resources Dept.

Experience Required

• 2-3 years

Perks

• Free family zoo membership,
• free general admission tickets,
• fun social events,
• free life/ disability benefits.

Salary

• $17.67 - $20.69 hourly