Zoo Miami Keeper 2 (Animal Care Specialist 2)

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 one full-time Animal Care Specialist 2 (Zoo Miami Keeper 2) positions available. 
• 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.
• This position reports directly to an Animal Care Supervisor. 
• This team works with a variety of exotic species including potentially dangerous animals. 

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

• This is professional work in providing overall daily care, maintenance, and inspection of assigned enclosure areas, holding areas, and related public areas to ensure animal health and safety, staff safety, and public safety through standard operating procedures for animal care and exhibition as set forth by AZA, USDA and Zoo Miami.
• As well as providing exceptional customer service through engagement while creating friendly and positive interactions with all guests and co-workers.  

CORE DUTIES:

• Has knowledge of and follows hospital and quarantine principles and protocols.
• Has knowledge of the environmental, health, and dietary needs of a diverse collection of animals; able to perform animal restraint and capture techniques for multiple species.
• Assists with trailering and unloading of hoof stock species.  
• Performs daily inspections of assigned animals to check for changes in behavior, diet, sickness, reproductive status, etc. as well as their on and off-exhibit enclosures; communicates with supervisor any
• observed peculiarities in behaviors, appearances, gait or other conditions which may be early evidence of veterinary problems; removes harmful foreign objects from exhibit areas; shifts and secures animals on and off exhibit; depending on nature of exhibit, cleans, rakes, scrubs, and applies any necessary sterilizing agents; performs scientific observations such as recording weights, measuring fecal output, and other measures for evaluation purposes; assists in administering medication; assists in capturing, crating and transporting animals; coordinates, prepares and observes animal introductions as directed; prepares daily written and electronic reports to supervisor on any changes in behavior, diet, sickness, reproductive status, etc.
• Prepares diets and feeds at animal exhibits as directed by the Zoo Nutritionist; ensures food preparation area is clean, disinfected and properly sanitized as set forth by AZA, USDA, and Zoo Miami.
• Participates in animal operant conditioning/behavioral sessions and maintains behaviors as directed; participates as directed in creating, preparing, distributing and observing animal reactions to enrichment materials.
• Provides daily fun, interactive and educational guest experiences through public keeper talks and tours as directed.
• Performs minor maintenance and repairs on enclosures, equipment and exhibit furnishings; assists with compiling necessary material supply lists; responsible for lock inspections, lubrication and primary security of containment areas; assists as required with care and maintenance of botanical collection at assigned exhibit areas and related public areas; makes recommendations for plantings suitable for animal browse and enrichment; prepares and maintains appropriate substrate levels for exhibits and exhibit holding areas.
• Set up enclosures as needed for each incoming animal to ensure proper housing; break down enclosure set up after animals leave the area.
• Assist veterinary team during medical procedure; assist with procedure set up, animal handling, and clean up after procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness of hospital, quarantine, and necropsy buildings and all supplies are stocked daily.
• Assist veterinary team in necropsies; properly use and maintain incinerator following protocols.
• Assist nutrition keepers when necessary in diet preparation.
• Responds to emergency situations and natural disasters such as animal escapes, injuries, wildfires, and hurricanes in accordance to established operating procedures.               
• Performs other related tasks as required which may include completing tests, attending meetings, workshops, etc.

Experience Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three years of experience in animal husbandry at a zoological park are required.
• Must possess a Driver license.
• Must be able to workdays, nights, holidays, and weekends on a varied work schedule.

Perks

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