Animal Care Leadkeeper - Wild Connections

The Animal Care Lead Keeper is an energetic, front line position responsible for assisting the Animal Care leaders with area staff and the area animal residents. This position is primarily responsible within a specified area of the zoo to provide the highest quality daily care, husbandry and behavioral management of a defined portion of The Living Desert’s (TLD) animal residents, and is responsible for the daily care of assigned animal habitats and other associated animal facilities.

This position also performs the functions of Animal Care Keeper and able to follow instructions from Animal Care management. The Animal Care Lead Keeper must demonstrate significant knowledge of husbandry practices, be able to lead and mentor staff in the performances of these practices. Must demonstrate strong leadership skills which include being a role model and an example to others while working towards an improved future and shared vision within TLD and the Animal Care team.

• Must have the ability to make good decisions regarding the well-being of animals, staff and guests while working for the greater good of the zoo.
• Will support the Zoo in our mission “to support desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation” and will help the Zoo achieve a forward thinking vision of a modern zoo and inclusive culture.
• Must be a cooperative and collaborative team member with a great guest service attitude.
• Must be a motivated self-starter who needs minimal supervision as well as ability to work in a team setting.
• General knowledge of zoo animal husbandry, biology and observational skills.
• Must represent The Living Desert in a professional manner, and act accordingly at all times.
• Ensure animal well-being assessments and action plans are being carried out.

• Provide updates and ideas for standard operating procedures and protocols in a timely manner.
• Must have strong organizational, observational and listening skills.
• Ability to give and comprehend written and oral instructions, to accurately carry out such instructions and record observation intelligently.
• Understanding of AZA accreditation and USDA standards. Able to recognize inspection concerns and address issues with minimal guidance.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally, in writing and present to a variety of groups.
• Ability to enter accurately animal daily reports using in house computer program and be knowledgeable with Species 360/ZIMS.
• Must check emails regularly and respond in a timely manner including but not limited to surveys and questionnaires.

• Liaison between management and keeper staff as needed. Is honest and forthcoming to Animal management with information regarding accomplishments, issues and challenges.
• Provide mentorship to animal care keeper staff under the guidance of Animal Care management.
• Strong organizational and communication skills. The ability to accurately report daily information written, orally and with computer programs.
• Provide solutions to challenges presented and have open, honest dialogue with management to ensure the safety of the animals and humans.

• Ability to work with potentially dangerous animals under the Two Key/Two Lock/Two Keeper and Lock Out Tag Out Engineering Control systems.
• Must be capable of emergency response handling to avoid injury to self, humans, and animals while remaining calm under pressure.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in the event of an unpredictable situation and follow through until situation is over.

• Deliver uncompromising excellence in animal care, well-being and guest engagement.
• Develop and initiate engaging animal programs and interaction with guests of all ages.
• Ability to speak in public and give animal presentations to public both informally and formally.
• Ability to pay attention to the details of habitats and perception of animals for an optimal guest experience.

• Observation and reporting on all assigned animals to Animal Care Management.
• Dietary observations with a…