Join our Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium zookeeper team! Zookeepers are responsible for the specialized work involving the health and well-being of native and exotic animals through feeding, enclosure maintenance, behavioral observation, training, enrichment, and health care maintenance/ treatments. This position works with a variety of primates, including Colobus monkeys, Ring-tailed lemurs, and Japanese macaques, as well as kangaroos.
Essential Functions
- Provide all aspects of daily care for the animals in assigned exhibits and holding areas, including but not limited to:
- Innovative animal husbandry that is in compliance with AZA and USDA standards.
- Preparation and feeding of approved diets.
- Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
- Implementation of the behavioral program of the animals under assigned care, which includes animal training (operant conditioning) and enrichment programs.
- Designing and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits.
- Utilizing preventative husbandry techniques and providing proactive health care as required.
- Providing proper care for neonates and young (may require care outside of normal working hours).
- Maintain exhibits and holding areas in a clean, aesthetically pleasing, and presentable condition at all times. Includes performing general maintenance and repair of exhibits: painting, repairing fences and shelters, abating erosion, removing weeds, and snow removal. Maintains the cleanliness of other areas such as breakrooms, hallways, etc.
- Observe the animal collection for any signs of illness, lethargy, injury, or dietary problems and report any problems to the Veterinarian, Area Supervisor, and/or Animal Care Director.
- Assist the Veterinarian, Area Supervisor, and/or Animal Care Director in routine animal examinations and medicate animals with any prescribed treatments.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees as well as interact and communicate well with the general public.
- Maintain daily reports, medical records, enrichment logs, and other records as needed in the assigned area.
- Give presentations to guests regularly (Keeper Chats) and answer guests' questions about animals and exhibits.
- This engagement of the Zoo’s guests should extend to being willing to provide Behind the Scenes area tours, participate in media-related events, participate in public relations projects, and work special events in the area as necessary.
- Capture, handle, and move animals using accepted Great Plains Zoo practices to facilitate internal movement, external shipping, medical procedures, or normal routines.
- Perform basic restraint, crating/uncrating, and transport of animals as required, and must have the ability to operate various sizes of animal squeeze cages.
- Other duties as assigned by the Curator or Director of Animal Care & Conservation.
Competency
- Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
- Must be flexible, self-motivated, enthusiastic and a team player.
- Must demonstrate punctual attendance, reliability and good time management skills.
- Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
- Must be able to shoot rifles, shotguns and capture dart guns as required and/or directed to assist in the animal escape and recovery plan.
- Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint).
Experience Required
- Requires a bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree; or an equivalent level of work experience and education as determined by the hiring authority.
- Preferred Education and Experience Previous animal training and/or Zookeeper experience.
- Experience in an AZA-accredited facility is preferred.
Perks
- PTO, Floating Holidays, Health & Vision Insurance, Company Provided STD, LTD, Dental & Life Insurance,
Salary
- 18
