Keeper II (I.A.C. & R.F.F. Programs)

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum seeks an enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Keeper II. This position will be shared between two programs in the Department of Animal Experiences (Raptor Free Flight and the Interpretive Animal Collection) and hours will be based on the needs of each program. The ideal candidate will have experience working with a variety of raptors used in outdoor free-flight programs, have experience using telemetry, enjoy working with a variety of taxa including reptiles and invertebrates, have knowledge of operant conditioning training methods, have the ability to multi-task, be comfortable presenting programs in a theater setting and/or small group setting, and work well with a variety of volunteers and docents.

This position is considered open until filled; however, application review will begin immediately. Please understand that if offered a position, you will, as a final condition of employment, be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen and provide a satisfactory 39-month DMV report.

Job Title: Keeper II

Department: Collections

Reports To: Curator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Bargaining Unit Position

Reviewed: September 2023

Compensation: Bargaining Unit Position; Initial Step is $16.25 per hour plus a comprehensive benefit package, which includes medical, dental, vision, life and LTD insurance, FSA, HRA, 403(b) retirement plan, paid holidays, personal business days, sick leave and vacation. Position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Summary

Ensures animal welfare and institutional support by performing the duties below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following; other duties will be assigned

Prepares food for charges by chopping or grinding meat, fish, fruit, or vegetables; mixing prepared, dry, or liquid commercial feeds, or unbaling forage grasses per department practices and protocols.

Cleans and fills water containers and places food in enclosures per department practices and protocols.

Adds vitamins, medications or supplements to food or water as prescribed by ASDM's Veterinarian.

Observes animals to detect illnesses or injuries and notifies Curator or ASDM's Veterinarians of findings. Will promptly notify Curator or veterinary team of issues and concerns.

Assists ASDM's Veterinarians and Veterinary Technician in treatment of animals for illnesses and injuries.

Will perform injection of prescribed medications after appropriate training from ASDM veterinary staff or Vet Technician.

Cleans and disinfects animals' quarters per department practices and protocols.

Will assist with developing desired animal behaviors per department practices and protocols.

Will be involved in the training of co-workers.

Will be involved with the training, management and certification of volunteers

Under curatorial direction, transfers Collection animals from one location or enclosure to another for purposes such as rearrangement of exhibits, veterinary needs, or programs.

Sets temperature and humidity controls of quarters as specified per department practices and protocols.

Answers visitor questions concerning animal habits, conservation, or museum operations.

Participates in educational activities as required, (i.e., Docent classes, ADC, Art Institute, media).

May be responsible for training volunteers, Docents and Education staff on how to work with interpretive animals.

Assists other collection departments, maintenance, and exhibits staff when required.

May assist in the collection of specimens and exhibit materials per ASDM guidelines.

Will provide and create approved environmental enrichment, following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols.

Will participate in formal presentations at ASDM or off-site, (i.e., Keeper talks, theater programs, behind-the-scenes tours).

Will complete on-line annual training as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

There are no staff supervisory responsibilities associated with this position. However, this position may supervise and/or provide direction to volunteers assisting with Keeper duties.