Zookeeper - Swing Keeper (Area 3)

The Swing Zookeeper performs technical animal management work in accordance with established procedures and protocols, required for proper care and maintenance of animals under human care at the John Ball Zoo. This includes the care and feeding of exotic and domestic animals; the cleaning and maintenance of buildings, exhibits, and yards; and observation and reporting on the physical and behavioral condition of the animals. In addition to regular duties within Area 3, this position will be cross-trained and will also help to provide coverage for other areas as needed for Zookeepers assisting with conservation projects or for other staffing needs.

This is a Union position with Step 1 pay starting at $17.11 per hour.

The Ideal candidate would be:

• Experienced in working in a zoo setting
• Knowledgeable of and experienced with modern principles of animal care and welfare, including behavioral enrichment, medical treatments, exhibitory, nutrition, disease, transport, record keeping, and positive reinforcement based training techniques
• SCUBA certified from a recognized dive training organization or willing to be trained in SCUBA
• Capable of demonstrating professionalism and maturity at all times
• Skilled in proper interpretive techniques to relay information to visiting public
• A strong and effective communicator and a supportive team player
• Innovative and willing to look for solutions
• Capable of following all zoo and industry safety guidelines
• Possess a positive attitude and a general philosophy/outlook in line with the Zoo’s mission
• Must be willing to work holidays, weekends, evenings, and late night events
  
  
  

Required Skills/abilities

• Affinity for the mission and values of John Ball Zoo
• Ability to provide guidance to other animal care staff members and volunteers to support departmental objectives
• Ability to interact positively with a wide array of individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and show flexibility with daily responsibilities with minimal guidance
• Basic computer literacy and working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, computer graphics, multimedia presentation and database applications
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of exotic animal care and management
• Knowledge of animal psychology and behavior, and ability to identify abnormal behaviors indicating stress, illness or other animal conditions requiring monitoring and attention
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of operant conditioning and training
• Flexing work hours may be needed periodically throughout the year
• Ability to acquire and maintain CPR and first aid certification
• Valid Michigan driver’s license with an insurable driving record; may be mandatory depending upon current departmental need
  
  
  

Benefits At JBZ

We offer incredibly competitive benefits. This includes FREE:

• Medical plan option
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Dental & vision for employee & family
• 12 full weeks of parental leave (after 1 year of employment)
  
  
  

Additional Benefits

We offer generous Personal time, Vacation time, and observed holidays We offer a 4% match and 3% employer contribution to your 401K, zoo discounts, employee-only zoo experiences, tuition reimbursement, additional medical benefits to meet you and your family's needs, and a FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family.

ARE YOU READY TO WORK WILD?

John Ball Zoo is a drug-free workplace under federal regulations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.