Zookeeper - Rhino & Antelope

The North Carolina Zoo is expanding! The NC Zoo is seeking an enthusiastic team member to be part of its African Grasslands. The successful candidate will be working with white rhino and a variety of African antelope in both breeding and non-breeding groups.  Responsibilities include the daily assessment and care of animals both in a large, mixed species habitat and associated off-habitat holding areas.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Systematic observation of animal health and behavior.
• Participation in a behavior focused program that utilizes trust-based relationships, animal choice and control, and positive reinforcement operant conditioning to work cooperatively with the Rhinos and various African antelope to provide optimal care. 
• Interaction with zoo guests in formal and informal settings.            
• Development and implementation of a holistic behavioral management program which utilizes training, enrichment, variability, and research to provide a dynamic environment for optimal welfare.
• Operation of heavy equipment, such as tractors or skids steers.
• Heavy lifting of hay, grain, manure, substrates, etc.; heavy duty cleaning and scrubbing is a routine occurrence.
• Record keeping for computer databases.
• Participation in team problem solving and decision-making processes.
• Participation in NC Zoo programs, to include behavioral management, enrichment and Environmental Management System (EMS) programs.
• May be assigned to work with other animal species in other work units as needed.

Position/Physical Requirements:

• Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider. 
• Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program due to potential exposure to zoonosis.
• Must be able to work a rotating schedule that involves working weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts.
• Position is considered "Essential/Mandatory Staff" requiring work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
• Must have good physical agility, strength, vision, and hearing, and the ability to perform strenuous physical work in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments. Such as walk, stand, see animals and habitats for observation and safety as well as hear animal's sounds, radio communication and emergency situations.
• Must be able to capture, handle and restrain live exotic and potentially dangerous animals and use associated capture equipment.
• Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Must have or be able to obtain within 90 days of hire and maintain a valid NC driver's license to drive a state vehicle.
• Learn about the NC ZOO: https://www.nczoo.org  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies:

Qualified candidates will have:

• Demonstrated hands-on animal care experience with rhinoceros and/or antelope at an AZA accredited zoo, sanctuary setting or related facility to include the following:            
• Positive reinforcement based operant conditioning
• Environmental enrichment
• Observing and understanding the complexities of animal behavior, including individual animals and larger social context
• Demonstrated experience of animal husbandry to include thorough working knowledge of biology, including animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior and safe practices around dangerous animals and mammals gained from working at an AZA accredited zoo, sanctuary setting or related facility.
• Demonstrated experience with record-keeping.
• Proven communication skills such as visitor interactions, public speaking, reporting and/or team interactions.
• Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, natural sciences, or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of experience working in a zoo-based or related animal care facility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.