Zoo Miami Keeper 1 (Animal Care Specialist 1) - Elephants

Now is a great time to join our family and be a part of Zoo Miami’s dynamic future as we strive to “To Inspire people through engaging experiences to preserve nature in South Florida and across the globe”. Zoo Miami is focused on five key commitments: Conservation, Our Team, Our Animals, Our Guests, and Our Community through our core values of Welcoming, Caring, Fun, Collaborative and Dedicated.

• Zoo Miami is proud to be active in many global wildlife and environmental conservation initiatives and is involved in over 36 projects taking place on six continents.
• The largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida, Zoo Miami is the only tropical zoo in the continental United States, occupying almost 750 acres (340 developed), the Zoo is home to approximately 2,500 animals representing nearly 400 different species.

Summary:

• Zoo Miami currently has a full-time Animal Care Specialist 1 (Zoo Miami Keeper 1) position available. 
• We are searching for team-oriented candidate that will be engaging and deliver exceptional customer service by creating friendly and positive interactions with all guests and co-workers. 
• This position reports directly to an Animal Care Supervisor of Elephants.
• This team works primarily with our African and Asian Elephants but may also work with other exotic species including potentially dangerous animals. 

Daily responsibilities/duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provides overall care and maintenance of assigned work areas ensuring animal health and safety, staff safety and public safety through established standard operating procedures for animal care and exhibition as set forth by AZA, USDA and Zoo Miami.
• Observes animals, inspects exhibit and off exhibit enclosures; prepares daily zoo keeper reports, and notes on any changes in behavior, diet, sickness, reproductive status, body condition.
• Feeds animals in accordance with nutritional and behavioral requirements as specified by curatorial staff; administers medications; participates in capturing, crating and transporting animals; participates in approved scientific research and educational projects.
• Assists with animal behavior training and operant conditioning of outreach animals; attends training classes as required by the Enrichment and Training Coordinator.
• Follows all guidelines, SOPs and curricula related to animal wellbeing set by the Wellbeing, Enrichment and Behavior team.
• Cleans, disinfects and maintains animal exhibits, enclosures, food and water dishes, pools and other areas. 
• Performs routine maintenance and upkeep of assigned work areas ensuring that all fence lines are free of weeds and service areas are mowed.
• Must deliver exceptional customer service by engaging with guests on a regular basis to create a friendly, memorable and positive experience; give educational and conservation oriented keeper talks to the public.
• Must have knowledge of behavioral characteristics and handling procedures for assigned animals.
• Must have very good oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to work independently and in a team environment.
• Requires normal hearing and seeing capabilities, ability to stand, bend, lift, stoop, push and pull.
• Must be able to use tools and operate small equipment.
• May have to lift up to 50 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED. One year of experience working with non-domestic animals, reptiles, or exotic birds is required.
• Completion of related coursework may substitute for the required experience on a month-for-month basis.
• Must possess a Driver license.
• Must be able to work days, nights, holidays, and weekends on avaried work schedule.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field and four (2) years of experience in an accredited facility is highly preferred. 

Experience Required

• Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED.
• One year of experience working with non-domestic animals, reptiles, or exotic birds is required. Completion of related coursework may substitute for the required experience on a month-for-month basis.
• Must possess a Driver license.
• Must be able to work days, nights, holidays, and weekends on avaried work schedule.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field and four (2) years of experience in an accredited facility is highly preferred.

Perks

• This is a full-time hourly position with excellent benefits as an employee of Miami-Dade County.