Ark Encounter Small Mammal Zookeeper Full Time

The Ararat Ridge Zoo exists to be a world-class zoo providing guests with experiences and education that inspire responsible stewardship of Creation and the purpose of God's design. The Small Mammal Zookeeper position requires experience working with a variety of Small Mammals in a working/educational zoo setting. The Small Mammal Zookeeper should have a strong background and experience working with exotic mammals, 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.
• Responsible for the animal care of animals at the Ararat Ridge Zoo at the Ark Encounter.
• Involved in all facets of the attraction’s animal care program, related to cleaning animal habitats (e.g., rake, hose, sweep, disinfect, remove feces, clean building), operate guest contact areas and prepare animal diets/drink under the guidance of the keeper staff.
• Educate guests on the animal kinds and care in petting or interacting with the animals during animal presentations and direct interaction with the animals
• Ensure the safety and care of the animals as well as the guests or other employees.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and work as part of a Team.
• Assist the Zoo’s Vet Tech and any attending veterinarian with animal health procedures.
• Perform husbandry for the animal exhibits and upkeep of public areas.
• Observe animals for changes in health or behavior.
• Keep animal records as necessary.
• Monitor guests graciously to ensure human and animal safety.
• Communicate with guests to facilitate their appreciation of the Zoo and Ark.
• Perform necessary repairs to fences, equipment and overall, Zoo as directed.
• Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by zoo management.
• 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, holidays and all shifts.
• Must be friendly and courteous with guests.
• Must be able to stand and move about throughout the attraction for the entire length of shift.
• Perform duties in varied temperature and weather conditions throughout the attraction (e.g., extreme heat/cold, wind, rain, snow)
• Bend and lift between 50 to 100 pounds. 
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• To operate ministry trucks and vehicles must possess a valid driver’s license. 
• Seasonal keepers will spend 75% of their time in guest-facing stations.

Education & Experience

• 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.

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  
• Completion of a Motor Vehicle Report