Download Education Animal Keeper 2

Position: Education Animal Keeper 2
Reports to: Supervisor/Manager
Department: Education
Basic Function:
Brevard Zoo is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated animal keeper to join our Education Department. This
applicant will assist the Education Animal Care Supervisor in the daily care of animals and the maintenance of
exhibits, as well as conduct onsite and offsite animal encounters. Applicants must have good communication
skills, the ability to multi-task, a positive attitude and willingness to work with a variety of animals. This
position will interact with guests and supervise interns and other staff. We are looking for someone who will
provide exceptional care for our collection, accomplished animal trainer, energetic, enjoys guest engagement,
motivated, and detail oriented.
Responsibilities:
• General Husbandry: Performs skilled assignments related to the care and welfare of a variety of
animals, including reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates within the Education Department.
o Prepares daily diets for the animal collection.
o Cleans animal exhibits and holding areas.
o Inspects assigned areas at the beginning and end of shift and reports problems and/or
concerns.
o Assists in training animals for basic husbandry and enrichment behaviors.
o Assists with the movement, capture and restraint of animals during routine or health related
procedures.
o Reports animal illness, abnormal behavior and unsafe conditions promptly to
supervisor/manager and works toward corrective measures.
• Accurately maintains and completes daily reports and other records.
• Plans and organizes daily work routine and established priorities for the completion of work in
accordance with sound time-management methodology.
• Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time.
• Answers guest questions about the Zoo and the animals as necessary.
• Gives animal presentations and education programs to public both formally and informally.
• Conducts public speaking and media encounters when assigned.
• Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Reports maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate manager.
• Performs minor repairs and improvements of exhibits as directed by Supervisor/Manager/Curator.
• Conducts animal training and classes for new staff, interns and volunteers and monitors requirements
of handlers.
• Accurately writes and maintains information fact sheets, SOP, and training materials.
• Carries out duties and job assignments as delegated by appropriate Animal
Supervisor/Manager/Curator.
Qualifications:
• Knowledge of animal behavior.
• Knowledge of procedures used for the proper care and handling.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to exhibit patience when caring for animals
• Ability to exercise judgment concerning assigned work activities.
• Must be able to maintain effective working relationships and professionalism with other Zoo employees,
volunteers, outside organizations and the public.
• Comfortable working with and caring for all animals in the education collection.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Must be able to work in variable weather conditions
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time and walk distances.
• Must provide proof of a negative TB test.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Strong work ethic and able to work independently or with a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required.
Required experience:
• Bachelor degree in life sciences, biology, zoology or related field or equivalent combination of training
and experience.
• Must have knowledge of animal care and basic husbandry skills, with at least two years full time paid
animal care experience preferred at an AZA-accredited facility.
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Successful candidates must complete pre-employment drug screening, background check and TB test;
Must have a valid Class C driver’s license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.
Job type: Permanent Full-time position. Approximate work schedule will be Sunday to Thursday with
approximately 33-40hrs per week. Must be able to work evenings, weekends, overnight and holidays. Must be
flexible with schedule.
Benefits:
Brevard Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid sick/vacation time, health, dental,
vision, and life insurance, matching 403b (retirement account) contributions, local tourist attraction discounts,
heavily discounted meals, and zoo membership.
Application instructions
Please submit a cover letter, resume, application and three references to [email protected] by 6 June,
2017.
Note, due to the number of applications/resumes, only those best qualified will be contacted for an interview.
Please do not call regarding this position or receipt of your resume.