Apprentice Keeper

This Temporary Apprentice Keeper position involves working with and cross training on a variety of taxa including mammals, reptiles, birds and ectotherms.

Position Status: Temporary, Full Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $21.60/hour

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under the general direction of the Zoological Managers, Director of Animal Care and VP of Animal Care & Health, the Apprentice Keeper is responsible for the personal development and application of basic daily animal care, and the maintenance of exhibits to facilitate a positive guest experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Animal Care:

Records the signs of normal health and changes in health for those animals under his/her care using the daily report system

Performs all basic animal husbandry and health duties in the safest manner following established Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGS) and protocols

Uses physical capture and restraint equipment as required

Develops and documents training and enrichment programs

Facilitates established animal presentations

Regular attendance is necessary

Guest Relations:

Associates with guests to assist and share information

Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relation procedures

Meets exhibit presentation quality standards for cleanliness and maintenance to maximize our guest experience

Develops and facilitates formal and informal educational programs

Staff Development:

Supervises volunteers and interns

Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with staff

Coaches co-workers, volunteers, and interns and provides informal feedback

Provides training for new keepers on husbandry standard operating guidelines

Operation and Business:

Exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure the health and well-being of the animal collection

Ensures that all regulatory standards are met such as USDA Animal Welfare Act, regional, federal, and AZA standards

Reports animal maintenance issues and potential hazards for staff

Ensures consistent productive operating practices by identifying areas for potential revenue generation, reduction of costs, and more efficient procedures

Holds peers accountable for their performance

Performs routine maintenance as required

Adheres to Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual

Attends monthly all-employee meetings

Attends departmental meetings

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Guest Relations:

Greets every guest with a smile

Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo

Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly

Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions

Associates with guests to assist and share information

Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures

Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code

Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings

Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge · Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education & Experience:

High school graduation or the equivalent (GED) is required

Some experience in routine animal husbandry is desirable

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Life Science such as Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or a closely related discipline is preferred

Work experience in an AZA-accredited facility

Valid driver’s license with good driving record is desirable

TB test required annually

Satisfactory DOJ LiveScan Background check clearance

Knowledge, Skills, & Ability:

Knowledge of animal behavior and natural history

Knowledge of procedures for observation, handling/restraint, training, enrichment, reproduction, facility needs and health of animals

Understanding of emergency situation procedures, specifically involving guest and staff safety.

Basic computer skills

Ability to follow oral and written direction

Effective oral and written communication skills

Ability to successfully deliver engaging Keeper Talks to our guests

Ability to develop warm and friendly relationships at work

Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, our guests

Ability to successfully deliver engaging Keeper Talks to our guests

Ability to learn prescribed routines quickly and to work without close supervision

Ability to work independently and function as a team member

Ability to develop and maintain multiple priorities to ensure work is completed

Ability to exercise safe work habits while in the proximity of potentially dangerous animals

Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility

Frequent exposure to animal feces, urine, cleaning chemicals, and dust when cleaning animal enclosures and exhibits

Ability to negotiate the Zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, and hilltop

Must be able to participate in operational practices; including climbing stairs, manipulating tools, and standing/walking for long periods of time

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including electric cart, two-way radio, and capture equipment

Must be able to lift and/or move 50 pounds occasionally and 10 or fewer pounds frequently

Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move objects

The ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing

The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs

The ability to use hands, fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell

Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Involves working out of doors in all weather conditions

Supportive and open employment culture

Tools Used:

Standard cleaning equipment such as hoses, rakes, shovels, and brooms, buckets

Two-way radio

Personal Computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Protective Equipment

Capture equipment

Electric cart

Forklift, Front loader, Truck, Ladder

Drills to make enrichment

Hand tools *You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*