Keeper 2 Senior - Carnivores

Department: Living Collections

Supervisor: Collection Manager of assigned area

Supervises: None

FLSA Status: Full Time, Regular, Non-exempt

Starting Pay Rate: Keeper II - $24.89/hour

                                Senior Keeper- $27.44 

Application Submission Deadline: Open until filled

General Statement:

The Keeper II is responsible for the safety, health and well-being of all assigned animals through the performance of documented husbandry practices. This position supports designated public experiences, by training and mentoring internal guests (staff and volunteers), developing and maintaining animal cued behaviors and animal programs. In addition to performing Keeper II duties, this position actively collaborates in the presentation of guest experiences that support the Phoenix Zoo’s mission.

Essential Duties of a Keeper II:

1. Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
2. Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s); observe and report any health or behavioral abnormalities of all assigned specimens to immediate supervisor on a daily basis; advise staff on nutritional concern or seasonal adjustments; assist veterinary staff in carrying out health monitoring and assessment; perform Standard Operating Procedures associated with specialty areas or programs (e.g., venomous animal and large reptiles handling); and manage captive reproduction program components as assigned.
3. Perform assigned and approved behavioral enrichment activities and animal training procedures of assigned specimens in a timely manner and consistent with documented Standard Operation Procedures; assist in the development and implementation of SOP’s within assigned area; assist in the training of new staff in assigned SOP’s.
4. Perform routine maintenance of facilities by maintaining and reporting any structural or mechanical problems; provide support in the development of facility plans and assessments; Interact with maintenance staff as needed.
5. Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols.
6. Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions/breeding, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.
7. Monitor the public ensuring the safety of visitors and animals.
8. Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to support designated public experiences and other communication activities that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events.
9. Initiate engagement and interaction with guests in support of the Zoo’s mission by developing and conducting interactive animal programs.

Essential Duties of a Senior Keeper:         

1. Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance. 
2. Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures; demonstrate knowledge of nutritional requirements of assigned specimens; observe all assigned animal specimens on a daily basis and report any health or behavioral abnormalities to immediate supervisor; assist in the development of protocols for the restraint and treatment of assigned animals; assist in the development of  Standard Operating Procedures as assigned; remain current on protocols of assigned areas.
3. Perform routine maintenance of facilities by maintaining and reporting any structural or mechanical problems; provide support in the development of facility plans and assessments; interact with maintenance staff as needed
4. Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols and provide leadership in emergency situations.
5. Act as principal training coordinator for new staff and volunteers, ensuring appropriate knowledge and understanding of section SOP’s and that training protocols are followed by staff.  Assist manager in developing and troubleshooting schedule; mentor other keepers and help oversee volunteers and interns.
6. Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions/breeding, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.
7. Assist in the development and Implementation of approved behavioral enrichment management initiatives in assigned area; participate, as approved, on zoo-related committees and assist in the development of approved animal training procedures.
8. Monitor the public ensuring the safety of guests and animals.
9. Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to support designated public experiences and other communication activities that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events.
10. Initiate engagement and interaction with guests in support of the Zoo’s mission by developing and conducting interactive animal programs.

Requirements

Keeper II: 

1. Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.
2. High school diploma required.
3. Behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning experience preferred.
4. Minimum 2 years paid experience relevant to animal husbandry in an AZA accredited institution or related facility.
5. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
6. Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.
7. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
8. Possession of a valid driver’s license.
9. Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.

Senior Keeper: 

1.Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent experience strongly preferred.

2.Minimum of 5 years paid experience in work relevant to animal husbandry in an AZA accredited institution or related facility

3.Behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning experience preferred.

4.Knowledge in the areas of animal nutrition, public engagement and communication, facility maintenance. 

5.Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

6.Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces and work in extreme weather conditions.

7.Possession of a valid driver’s license.

8.Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.