Lead Keeper - Aquarium Birds

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a Lead Keeper to assist in the Aquarium Birds department. The successful candidate will be expected to perform in a proactive leadership role and communicate regularly with the area supervisor regarding animal management, facility maintenance, and staff supervision and development. They will assist in departmental hiring, scheduling, work assignments, and the development of departmental goals and plans. The candidate will also aid in establishing work priorities for the department and ensure compliance with all Zoo policies and procedures. This position will train and direct work of interns, seasonal employees, and full-time keeper staff, in addition to routinely monitoring and reviewing the work performance of keeper staff in assigned area and ensure completion of tasks in a timely and effective fashion. The Lead Keeper in the penguin/alcid department is responsible for the daily feeding, cleaning and general care of the three exhibits in the Scott Aquarium. This includes, but is not limited to, three species of penguins and 3 species of alcids. This position reports to the Birds Supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities(include but not limited to):

• Support the Aquarium Birds Supervisor with day-to-day management of keeper staff and interns.
• Requires excellent animal training skills, time management, and staff/volunteer supervision skill sets.
• Expected to have or develop the appropriate level of knowledge of the natural history and captive wildlife management under their care to ensure the best possible physical and psychological well-being of the animals in their care.
• Expected to implement department priorities, as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements.
• The Lead Keeper is expected to be active as a department leader and can be expected to cover department function and emergency response coordination in the absence of area supervisor.
• 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.
• Work has exposure to physical and zoonotic disease risk.
• Daily care of animal collection.
• Record daily feedings and animal observations.
• Create and implement animal enrichment.
• Monitor behavior and changes in animal health.
• Assist veterinary staff with procedures of animals in collection.
• Perform cold water diving.
• Interact with zoo guests and provide informational facts on aquarium birds.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge of propagation, incubation, hand rearing techniques, operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
• Open Water I certification preferred.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to swim proficiently.
• Ability to work long hours in adverse weather conditions.
• Work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.
• Work well with all personalities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency in Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Creative and positive attitude.
• Self-motivated.
• Able to stand for long periods and work in inclement weather conditions.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years experience in an AZA accredited institution or related organization required.
• Bachelors in Biology, Animal Science or related field is preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must hold a valid state drivers license.
• Public speaking experience preferred.
• Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid drivers 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.