Ark Encounter Animal Programs Keeper Full Time

JOB TITLE: “Animal Programs Keeper”

REPORTS TO: Zoo Animal Programs Manager

DEPARTMENT: Zoo, Ararat Ridge Zoo

STATUS: Full-Time, Hourly

LOCATION: Williamstown, KY

Summary

Animal Programs Keepers are responsible for the care, husbandry, and training of the Ararat Ridge Zoo’s animal ambassador collection and will participate in the variety of daily animal programs at the Ark Encounter. We are looking for motivated, team-oriented individuals who are passionate about inspiring others to develop a greater appreciation for animals and upholding the learning objectives of Answers in Genesis. The ideal candidate will have strong animal training, interpersonal, and observational skills. This position will allow one to impact others through a service mindset centered on making an eternal difference. This position should display our Core Values of SERVE (Serve, Equip, Relate, Value, Engage) when interfacing with both internal and external customers to ensure that the message and mission of Answers in Genesis is portrayed in an effective and God-honoring fashion. This position provides opportunities for spiritual, personal, and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Promote the mission and standards of Answers in Genesis.

• Create a SERVE culture environment in all work done.

• Approach all tasks with a second-mile mindset.

• Prioritize personal integrity in all interactions and assignments.

• Contribute to a positive guest experience by professionally presenting animal ambassadors to visitors in an engaging manner.

• Perform all aspects of daily animal ambassador husbandry and habitat maintenance while upholding high standards of animal welfare.

• Prepare animal diets and adhere to feeding schedules.

• Monitor health and behavior of ambassador animals.

• Assist veterinary team with medical tasks as needed and follow all safety protocols.

• Create, implement, and maintain animal ambassador enrichment and training under the supervision of the Zoo Animal Programs Manager.

• Carefully maintain all behavioral, dietary, enrichment, medical, and training records on AnimalCare software.

• Participate in and present daily animal programs, including: shows, keeper chats, overnights, workshops, behind the scenes experiences, outreach, and media events.

• Handle animal ambassadors for zoo programs in a responsible manner.

• Make animal program recommendations that support the zoo’s vision.

• Actively seek opportunities to engage guests both formally and informally.

• Assist with special projects and other sections of the zoo as needed.

• And all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

Requirements

• Diligence, honesty, and integrity in performing all animal care tasks while effectively communicating any concerns to Zoo Animal Programs Manager and veterinary team

• Thorough knowledge and experience in animal training and enrichment with an emphasis on operant conditioning, positive reinforcement, and choice-based training

• Strong verbal communication skills, stage presence, and comfortability on microphones

• Strong written communication and record-keeping skills

• Must be comfortable handling all animals, including ectotherms

• Ability to bend, climb stairs, lift 50 lbs., speak and stand for long periods of time, and walk across zoo grounds, in all types of weather

• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed

• Proficient with word processing and spreadsheet computer systems

• Foundational knowledge of biblical apologetics and willingness to learn more

• Must agree with and be able to sign our Statement of Faith

• Maintains a personal relationship with Jesus Christ

• Regularly attends a local Bible-believing church

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in a biological science, education, or psychology; substantial experience may be considered as a substitute for a degree

• Minimum two years' animal care and handling experience in a professional zoological setting, preferably with animal ambassadors

• Proficiency in choice-based animal training through operant conditioning

• Public speaking experience in a variety of settings for a variety of age groups

• Experience with educational or interpretive zoo programs with live animals preferred

Items Needed for Possible Employment

• Completion of online application, https://answersingenesis.org

• Salary requirements

• Salvation testimony

• Creation belief statement

• Confirmation of your agreement with the AiG Statement of Faith

• Completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screen

• Possession of a valid driver’s license

• A video demonstration of your animal training abilities

• A minimum five-minute “mock presentation” video of you speaking about your favorite animal while tying in a relevant apologetics topic