Apprentice Keeper

This Temporary Apprentice Keeper position involves working with and cross training on a variety of taxa including mammals, reptiles, birds and ectotherms.

Position Status: Temporary, Full Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $21.60/hour

• You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
  
  
  

Job Description

Under the general direction of the Zoological Managers, Director of Animal Care and VP of Animal Care & Health, the Apprentice Keeper is responsible for the personal development and application of basic daily animal care, and the maintenance of exhibits to facilitate a positive guest experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Animal Care:

• Records the signs of normal health and changes in health for those animals under his/her care using the daily report system
• Performs all basic animal husbandry and health duties in the safest manner following established Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGS) and protocols
• Uses physical capture and restraint equipment as required
• Develops and documents training and enrichment programs
• Facilitates established animal presentations
• Regular attendance is necessary
  
  
  

Guest Relations:

• Associates with guests to assist and share information
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relation procedures
• Meets exhibit presentation quality standards for cleanliness and maintenance to maximize our guest experience
• Develops and facilitates formal and informal educational programs
  
  
  

Staff Development:

• Supervises volunteers and interns
• Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with staff
• Coaches co-workers, volunteers, and interns and provides informal feedback
• Provides training for new keepers on husbandry standard operating guidelines
  
  
  

Operation and Business:

• Exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure the health and well-being of the animal collection
• Ensures that all regulatory standards are met such as USDA Animal Welfare Act, regional, federal, and AZA standards
• Reports animal maintenance issues and potential hazards for staff
• Ensures consistent productive operating practices by identifying areas for potential revenue generation, reduction of costs, and more efficient procedures
• Holds peers accountable for their performance
• Performs routine maintenance as required
• Adheres to Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
• Attends monthly all-employee meetings
• Attends departmental meetings
  
  
  

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Guest Relations:

• Greets every guest with a smile
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
• Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
• Associates with guests to assist and share information
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
• Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
• Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
  
  
  

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education & Experience:

• High school graduation or the equivalent (GED) is required
• Some experience in routine animal husbandry is desirable
  
  
  

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Science such as Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or a closely related discipline is preferred
• Work experience in an AZA-accredited facility
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record is desirable
• TB test required annually
• Satisfactory DOJ LiveScan Background check clearance
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, & Ability:

• Knowledge of animal behavior and natural history
• Knowledge of procedures for observation, handling/restraint, training, enrichment, reproduction, facility needs and health of animals
• Understanding of emergency situation procedures, specifically involving guest and staff safety.
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to follow oral and written direction
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to successfully deliver engaging Keeper Talks to our guests
• Ability to develop warm and friendly relationships at work
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, our guests
• Ability to successfully deliver engaging Keeper Talks to our guests
• Ability to learn prescribed routines quickly and to work without close supervision
• Ability to work independently and function as a team member
• Ability to develop and maintain multiple priorities to ensure work is completed
• Ability to exercise safe work habits while in the proximity of potentially dangerous animals
• Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals
  
  
  

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
• Frequent exposure to animal feces, urine, cleaning chemicals, and dust when cleaning animal enclosures and exhibits
• Ability to negotiate the Zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, and hilltop
• Must be able to participate in operational practices; including climbing stairs, manipulating tools, and standing/walking for long periods of time
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including electric cart, two-way radio, and capture equipment
• Must be able to lift and/or move 50 pounds occasionally and 10 or fewer pounds frequently
• Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move objects
• The ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing
• The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs
• The ability to use hands, fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Involves working out of doors in all weather conditions
• Supportive and open employment culture
  
  
  

Tools Used:

• Standard cleaning equipment such as hoses, rakes, shovels, and brooms, buckets
• Two-way radio
• Personal Computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Protective Equipment
• Capture equipment
• Electric cart
• Forklift, Front loader, Truck, Ladder
• Drills to make enrichment
• Hand tools
  
  
  

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*