Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a Keeper of Birds to provide the daily care and welfare for the birds found within the areas of this position’s purview. These areas include the Aviary, ASC (Avian Support Center), bird holding building, and additional outdoor exhibits and holding spaces, independent of another animal department. The successful candidate will be expected to provide strong observation and communication skills and can perform a variety of physical work while working in a team environment. This position is responsible for daily husbandry including environmental enrichment, training, general maintenance of exhibits, and observation of the animals in assigned area. Additional duties may include guest interaction through keeper presentations and behind the scenes tours.
- This position will also participate in animal procedures. Staff is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment for self, fellow employees, guests and animal collection.
- The staff at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo strives to foster an environment of open communication and collaboration concerning, but not limited to the following discussion points: research, observations, behavior management, husbandry, diets, training, and the acquisition and disposition of species.
- There may be taxa specific duties that include working knowledge of life support, water chemistry, incubation techniques, etc.
- This position reports directly to the Bird Supervisor.
Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions (include but not limited to):
- Daily care of animal collection including all aspects of animal husbandry.
- Assist with the maintenance of the area buildings and structures including, but not limited to, cleaning, painting, light construction, etc.
- Assist with the maintenance of the area grounds including, but not limited to, plant care, raking, weeding, trash collection, etc.
- Record keeping.
- Animal enrichment and training.
- Monitor behavior and changes in animal health.
- Assist veterinary staff with animal procedures.
- Interact with the public either informally or through zoo programming, events, or behind the scenes tour.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Have or develop the appropriate level of knowledge of the natural history and captive wildlife management to ensure the best possible physical and psychological well-being of the animals.
- Knowledge of propagation, incubation, hand rearing techniques.
- Knowledge of operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic computer proficiency.
- The ability to work independently, when familiar with operational procedures.
- The ability to work cooperatively with co-workers, other departments, and management.
- The ability or willingness to develop public speaking skills.
- The ability to develop operational skills with all the equipment and tools utilized by zoo personnel.
- Must possess or be able to obtain a valid state driver’s license.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s in Biology or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 1 year experience in an AZA accredited institution or related organization.
Working Conditions/Physical Demands:
- This position is a 40-hour work week, which may include weekends and holidays.
- Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
- The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
- This department manages potentially dangerous animals. Personal safety must be maintained as you are required to work within operational procedures developed to assure appropriate risk management.
- Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach upward, twist, and have good lateral movement.
- Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.
- Candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative TB test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.
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.
