Zoo Miami currently has one full-time Animal Care Specialist 2 (Zoo Miami Keeper 2) position available for the Carnivore 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.
- 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:
- 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, FWC, and Zoo Miami.
- Observes animals, inspects exhibit and off exhibit enclosures; prepares daily zookeeper reports, and notes on any changes in behavior, diet, sickness, reproductive status, body condition through an online record keeping system.
- 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.
- Conducts animal behavior training and operant conditioning utilizing positive reinforcement.; attends training classes as required by the Wellbeing, Enrichment and Behavior team.
- Expected to follow all guidelines, SOP’s 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, service spaces, and other areas.
- Performs routine maintenance and upkeep of assigned work areas ensuring that all fence lines and containment are free from obstructions, debris, and in good functional condition. .
- 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, climb ladders, push and pull.
- Must be able to use hand tools, basic power tools, tools and operate small equipment.
- May have to lift up to 50 lbs
Experience Required
- Minimum Qualifications:
- 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 work days, nights, holidays, and weekends on a varied work schedule. Preferred
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field and four (4) 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.
Salary
- $49,606.47 - $87,746.55
