Carnivore Keeper

Position Overview

This is a full-time staff position responsible for the daily animal husbandry of the Carnivore Department. The scheduled shift is four days a week, 10-hour shifts, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, unless otherwise decided by the department supervisor or Curator. This position works independently and in a team environment to apply the highest standards of animal care, enrichment, and training. They will interact with the public to educate them about the Carnivore animals and conservation efforts, providing keeper talks and encounters. Works closely with the veterinarian staff to maintain animals’ good health and well-being.

Responsibilities

• Performs the general daily care of the animals in assigned exhibit and holding areas. Maintains exhibits and holding areas in a clean and presentable condition at all times. Animals include Sumatran Tigers, African Painted Dogs, Red Wolves, African Lions, bears, and cheetahs.
• Must be comfortable utilizing firearms.
• Take part in the butchering and processing of diets including animal carcasses.
• Carefully observes the animal collection for signs of illness or injury and reports problems to the Carnivore Leadership Team and Veterinarian Team.
• Works closely with the vet staff to diagnose and treat medical needs of the collection. Assists with examinations and medical procedures. Administers prescribed treatments.
• Prepares food in accordance with dietary requirements and restrictions.
• Provides enrichment as agreed to by department management.
• Trains animals for husbandry behaviors and guest demonstrations
• Abides by department or species’ protocols to assure the highest level of keeper and public safety.
• Conducts keeper talks and animal encounters as scheduled by the Guest Services Department.
• Maintains accurate and complete records as required by the department.
• Performs restraint, crating/uncrating and general transport of animals as needed.
• Participates in all safari activities and events, for example, shows and after hour fundraisers, as required by management.
• Assists in data collection for approved research projects.
• Responds to department emergencies to maintain guest and animal safety.
• Cross trains into other departments to assist in animal husbandry as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a drive thru, or other zoo environment preferred. College education in a zoological or related field is preferred.
• Top priority is the safety for self, other staff, guests, and animals.
• Valid driver license for a minimum of three-years with a clean driving record.
• Able to endure extreme weather conditions.
• Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to pass drug test, including for marijuana.
• Able to work in a team and independently as needed.

Benefits

• Health and dental benefits after 60 days
• Aflac benefits
• Free membership with reciprocal zoo
• 40% off in Restaurant and Gift Shop
• Sick leave and paid time off
• Vet and vehicle services at cost
• Free animal encounters
• Employee parties throughout the year

This is a permanent, full-time position. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Wildlife Safari is a drug-free workplace and applicants must pass a drug screen (including for Marijuana) prior to being offered a position.

Wildlife Safari will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Wildlife Safari will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of physical or mental disability in regard to any position for which the applicant is qualified.