Ark Encounter Avian Keeper I Full Time

The “Zoo” exists to provide guests with experiences and education that inspire a biblical understanding of creation, highlight the purpose of God's design, and promote stewardship of creation, while also maintaining a high level of animal care and welfare. A Keeper I provides foundational animal care, daily husbandry, habitat maintenance, and observational tracking for assigned species. This role strictly follows standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure animal health and safety, while implementing pre-approved enrichment and supporting positive reinforcement training under direct supervision. 

 Ark Encounter Avian Keeper I Full Time should have a strong background and experience working with a variety of avian species, a basic understanding of animal health care and husbandry techniques, an awareness of animal enrichment, ability to perform vigorous physical activities both indoors and outdoors under all weather conditions and enjoy interacting with guests.

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.
• Guest engagement within the zoo and greater attraction
• Responsible for the care of avian species that may include psittacines, ratites, birds of prey, cranes and storks.
• Responsible for animal husbandry including:
  • Habitat cleaning and upkeep
  • Diet preparation and distribution
  • Record data in animal care system
  • Plan and schedule environmental enrichment based on behavioral goals
  • Participate in operant conditioning for husbandry behaviors
  • And additional husbandry tasks as assigned
• Ensure safety of guests, animals, and fellow staff members in performance of job
  • Ensure designated areas are clean and free of clutter
  • Follow all SOPs to ensure safe day-to-day operation of the zoo
  • Follow all state and federal animal welfare regulations (USDA)
• Prioritize personal integrity in all interactions and assignments.  
• Daily Husbandry & Operations: Prepare and distribute daily diets, perform habitat cleaning and maintenance, and adhere strictly to section SOPs. 
• Record Keeping: Consistently utilize Animal Care Software to complete daily task checklists, record observation notes, and review daily reports. 
• Health Observation & Reporting: Demonstrate sharp observational skills to identify normal versus abnormal animal behaviors, and promptly report signs of illness, injury, or stress to management and veterinary staff. 
• Enrichment Implementation: Provide pre-approved enrichment items adhering to safety standards, observing and documenting animal interactions and responses. 
• Training Support: Apply a practical understanding of positive reinforcement techniques to assist with maintaining established behaviors and train new behaviors under the direction of experienced staff or leadership. 
•  Animal Handling & Safety: Maintain safe, calm handling of approved animals while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• And all other duties and responsibilities assigned by management.

Requirements

• 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.
• Availability to work weekends and holidays
• Must have minimum of one year of work in animal care environment and/or pursuing associate or bachelor’s degree in zoology or related field.
• Bend and lift up to 50 pounds. 
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• To operate ministry trucks and vehicles must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to stand and move about throughout the attraction for the entire length of shift.
• Perform duties in varied temperatures and weather conditions throughout the attraction (e.g., extreme heat/cold, wind, rain, snow).
• Knowledge: Foundational understanding of general biology, animal kinds, dispersion, and natural histories for species in assigned areas. 
• Behavioral Awareness: Ability to recognize basic normal species behavior, as well as indicators of stress, aggression, or fear. 
• Technical Skills: Basic computer proficiency for logging daily logs and reading reports in specialized animal software. 
• Safety & Protocols: Strong commitment to adherence to SOPs, safety standards, and appropriate PPE usage.

Education & Experience

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in zoology or related field preferred
• 2 years’ experience working in a relevant animal care field

Items Needed for Possible Employment

• Completion of on-line application, https://answersingenesis.org   
• Salary Requirements 
• Salvation Testimony  
• Creation Belief Statement 
• Confirmation of your agreement with the AiG Statement of Faith (AiG Statement of Faith can be found on the website).  https://answersingenesis.org/about/faith/
• Completion of a Background Check and Pre-Employment Drug Screen