We are seeking a Keeper for Hoofstock team to provide strong observation and communication skills along with the ability to perform a variety of physical tasks. Keepers must be comfortable working in a team environment and with zoo guests in informal interactions. The Hoofstock area, which includes the African Grasslands Exhibit and the Asian Highlands Exhibit, involves a large portion of the zoo with several holding barns for individual species. Animals in the Hoofstock collection include Giraffe, Okapi, Sable Antelope, Eastern Bongo, Lesser Kudu, Cheetah, Impala, Plains Zebra, Indian and White Rhino, Yellow-Backed Duiker, Sichuan Takin, Goral, Tufted Deer, and Pere David Deer. This position reports directly to the Hoofstock Supervisor.
Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):
- Daily feeding, cleaning of animal pens, medicating animals when necessary, and reporting any notable observations to the Supervisor and/or Lead Keeper.
- Keepers are expected to take part in training, enrichment, and record keeping of the collection.
- Engaging the public through keeper talks, animal encounters, animal ambassadorship, and behind-the-scenes tours is required.
- All animal keepers are expected to assist the public in emergency situations involving the public or in the event of inclement weather.
- Occasional mowing, weed trimming, and daily maintenance of the area is required.
- Keepers will assist the veterinary staff with physical exams and/or emergency immobilizations.
- Keepers expected to assist with animal necropsies when necessary.
- You must be able to work alone or in a work crew environment. At times, keepers must work in other areas of the zoo to help complete tasks in an emergency.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- A valid state driver’s license is required.
- Must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have effective communication skills and the ability to work effectively with others.
- Must be able to accurately relay information to other crew members, listen and take directions.
- Knowledge of operant conditioning preferred.
- Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort:
- Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays and some night programs.
- Must be able to walk long distances across the zoo.
- Will be subject to adverse weather conditions as the work environment is mostly outdoors.
- Must be able to stand, sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach above head and climb.
- Substantial physical effort is required. Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.
- Working environments can include exposure to salt water, fish, shellfish (shrimp), nuts, hay, grass.
- Exposure to physical and zoonotic disease risk.
DISCLAIMER
- The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.
- It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
