As a full-time jungle keeper, you will be responsible for the care and well-being of a large multi-species collection within a 2 acre indoor rainforest exhibit. Animal collection includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, with a strong emphasis on New World and Old World Primates. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, daily husbandry and care associated with feeding and cleaning animal enclosures. Candidate must excel in a fast-paced and highly changing environment. Candidates must work holidays, weekends, and inclement weather and in varying temperatures and climates. Candidates need to be highly motivated and a team player with excellent interpersonal conflict resolution skills.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities.
- Observes behavior of animals on both a day-to-day and long-term basis; notes any unusual behavior, signs of illness or injury, change in appetite, start of breeding cycle, or lack of compatibility with group members and reports same to area Supervisor; assists in administering medication or other treatments for illness or injury as directed.
- Answers questions or gives information regarding animals, zoo operations, and zoo exhibits to the visiting public; maintains crowd control when animals are loose or being moved; observes the public to prevent malicious acts which could result in harm to the public or zoo animals or loss of zoo property.
- Assists in the crating and uncrating of animals; catches and restrains as necessary; may assist in transfer between locations.
- Maintains clean and organized exhibits, holding areas, service areas and equipment.
- Prepare, store and distribute food according to established feeding practices and diet sheets amounts; monitor feeding habits and report any changes or abnormalities; monitor food levels to assure sufficient quantities.
- Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
- Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with Microsoft Office software.
- Understands and applies a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under their care.
- Understands and applies the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under their care.
- As appropriate, maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi-aquatic animal species. Maintain pumps, filters, filtration devices and various testing equipment.
- As appropriate, maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures.
- In conjunction with the Zoo's Integrated Pest Management Specialist, may assist in pest control through the use of exclusion or traps.
- Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the area Supervisor.
- Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the area Supervisor.
- Provide work direction and assist in training interns and volunteers as assigned.
- Maintain a safe environment for all employees, animals, and guests.
- This includes following zoo two keeper policies, personal protective equipment, and equipment operation.
- Employee must have a valid state drivers license.
- Also follow OSHA standards regarding work place safety.
- Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both verbal and written within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
Physical Demands:
- The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
- The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds.
Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a Tuberculosis Test completed prior to employment.
- Two-year or four year degree preferred, high school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
- Paid animal care at an AZA accredited facility preferred.
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.
