Zoo Miami Keeper 1 (Animal Care Specialists 1)

Zoo Miami currently has four full-time Animal Care Specialist 1 (Zoo Miami Keeper 1) position available, one on the African Hoofstock team, two on the Amphitheater team, and one on the Critter Connection team.  We are searching for team-oriented candidates that will be engaging and deliver exceptional customer service by creating friendly and positive interactions with all guests and co-workers. 

• These positions report directly to an Animal Care Supervisor.  These teams works with a variety of exotic species including potentially dangerous animals. 

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 habitats and off exhibit enclosures; prepares daily zookeeper reports, and notes on any changes in behavior, diet, sickness, reproductive status and body condition.
• Provides diets in accordance with nutritional and behavioral requirements as specified by curatorial staff; administers medications; participates in capture and restraint, crating and transporting animals; participates in approved scientific research and educational projects.
• Assists in conducting animal behavior training and operant conditioning of various species animals; attends training classes as required by the Curator of Wellness.
• 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.

Experience Required

• Minimum Qualifications:
• High school diploma or GED.
• One year of experience working with non-domestic mammals, 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 a varied work schedule.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field and three (3) years of experience in an accredited facility is highly preferred.

Perks

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

Salary

• $43,366.73 - $72,557.73