The Keeper - Butterflies and Insects provides daily care and management to all species located in the Butterfly/Insect USDA APHIS facility that includes insects and horticulture. This position reports directly to the Supervisor Butterflies and Insects.
Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):
- Daily husbandry, enrichment, observations, record keeping, and medications.
- Perform horticultural and housekeeping duties.
- Maintain all plant health, protection, and quarantine standards at all times.
- Maintain the functions of a USDA APHIS facility including some life support systems.
- Work with interns, volunteers, and student shadows.
- All other duties not listed as deemed necessary by area supervisor.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Effective communication and organizational skills including attention to detail
- Knowledge of a safe working environment for animal collection, employees, and visitors.
- Ability to work within strict guidelines and PPQ standards.
- Ability to work independently and as a team.
- Interest in and working knowledge of butterflies, amphibians, and horticulture.
- Ability to speak publicly to large and small groups.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- A valid driver’s license is required.
- High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate of Science degree in a zoo technology program or four-year degree in zoology or related field is desirable.
- Previous experience in an AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited zoological park also preferred.
Working Conditions/Physical Effort:
- Regularly required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, lift, rake and sweep.
- Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Exposed frequently to outdoor, potentially adverse weather conditions.
- Must be able to traverse zoo grounds on foot.
- Regularly exposed to water, chemicals, loud noises, dust, hay, animal dander, etc.
- Must possess visual acuity appropriate for animal care and general safety practices.
- Must be able to work within guidelines set by the USDA for APHIS facilities.
- Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis 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.
