Keeper - Dome Mammals

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a Dome Mammals Keeper to provide daily husbandry for the mammal and bird collection and daily exhibit and building maintenance in both the Desert Dome and Kingdoms of the Night. This position reports directly to the Desert Dome Supervisor. The Desert Dome's mammal and bird collection is comprised of approximately 40 species of desert and nocturnal mammals from a variety of taxa including primates, carnivores, rodents, and bats, and approximately 30 species of birds. The collection is featured in the Desert Dome, the world's largest glazed geodesic dome and indoor desert, and in the Kingdoms of the Night, the world's largest nocturnal exhibit. The Desert Dome stands at 13 stories, covers one full acre, and features 3 major deserts: Namib of southern Africa, the Red Center of Australia, and Sonora of the southwestern United States into Mexico. The Kingdoms of the Night, located underneath the Desert Dome, is maintained on a reverse light cycle and features the world's largest indoor swamp.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Attends to all aspects of daily animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance, and visitor service for a large and diverse collection of desert and nocturnal mammals and birds in a major AZA accredited institution.
• Writes clear, concise reports and maintains accurate records on the animal collection. Practices good communications skills and the capacity to work well with others while maintaining the ability to work effectively as an individual. Must be team-oriented and willing to work with other staff members, interns, and volunteers.
• Reports potential issues or concerns promptly to the Supervisor including, but not limited to, animal health concerns, safety issues, facility and maintenance problems, and guest questions, complaints, or concerns. Keepers are expected to assist veterinarians and technicians during medical procedures and with administering medical treatments. Keepers may also be expected to assist other zoo personnel in making minor system/building repairs.
• Participates in and supports collaborative efforts pertaining to the Desert Dome mammal and bird collection, such as reproduction of selected species, research, enrichment, training and conservation programs.
• Participates in and helps to develop educational presentations to enhance the zoo experience for the zoo's 1.7 million annual guests.
• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, or extended hours when required.
• Must be willing to work in extreme weather conditions and with potentially dangerous animal species.
• Must have a valid state drivers license.
• Must have a current Tuberculosis screening.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

Experience:

• Previous experience with a wide variety of mammal and bird species in an AZA institution is preferred.
• Consideration will be given to an individual's past direct experience with exotic animals in other zoological, aqua cultural, ecological and biological areas such as in schools, aquariums, nature centers, agricultural operations, and conservation centers.

Education:

• College diploma is highly favored but not required.
• Working knowledge of natural history, biology, captive husbandry, and conservation issues as they apply to a wide variety of mammals and birds.
• Must be individually and independently motivated to continue expanding their knowledge base as it applies to desert and nocturnal mammals and birds.

Physical Demands:

• This position at times involves considerable physical exertion, such as regularly climbing ladders, lifting heavy objects (up to 50 pounds), and/or assuming awkward positions.
• This position also requires basic swimming skills to service and maintain certain exhibits.
• Keepers are expected to demonstrate safe working practices at all times and learn effective time management skills.

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.