Zoo Keeper- Swing

ZOO KEEPER- SWING

SUMMARY: The Swing Keeper at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will provide husbandry and maintenance protocols for two to four of the following Animal Care Teams:
Carnivores, Hoofstock, Reptiles and Amphibians, Primates, Birds, and Ambassador Animals. The Swing Keeper reports directly to the Senior Swing Keeper. In the Senior’s absence, this position will report to the Assistant Curator or General Curator. Additional guidance is received through established policies and procedures, plus verbal and written communications. A minimum of one (1) year of paid experience as a zookeeper is required.

Pay rate based on years of paid experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
:

The employee in this position must be able to perform all the essential job duties listed below; however, this list is not intended to be inclusive of the specific tasks that an employee in this position may be expected to perform.

• Be an ambassador for the Zoo at all times.
• Perform duties involving the husbandry and well-being of all specimens allocated to the department’s responsibility, including animal observations, training, enrichment, diet preparation and presentation, documentation of behaviors, and enclosure maintenance and sanitation.
• Maintain exhibits and holding areas in a sound and aesthetic fashion.
• Perceive changes in an animal’s behavior which may be indicative of health concerns and provide medical care and administration of medication under the direction of the Veterinary staff.
• Assist in the capture, restraint, and presentation of specimens for veterinary review, and evaluate animal’s response to suggested therapy.
• Develop a work routine that emphasizes safety and spotting potential hazards to the animals, staff and public. Safety is always required, as is a system of double checking all locks, doors, latches and shift doors.
• Interact with co-workers and the public in a professional and constructive manner.
• Develop and promote a working philosophy that emphasizes safety on the job, and continuously monitor and evaluate potential dangers to animals, staff, and the visiting public.
• Participate in neonatal care when required to maintain the health and welfare of the department’s animals.
• Create and maintain animal records in an organized fashion in conjunction with the Registrar.
• Be in sound health and capable of safely performing strenuous physical labor and lifting.
• Assist with projects or daily duties in other animal areas as needed.
• Develop and nurture professional relationships with all Zoo staff.
• Perform all duties required in the department and work productively with little supervision.
• Adhere to all Central Florida Zoo Policies and Procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be a minimum of 18 years old.
• Must provide a negative TB test and negative drug screen result.
• Must be able to work individually and as part of a team.
• Must be self-motivated and goal oriented.
• Must have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, when interacting with team members, co-workers, visitors, and vendors.
• Must have knowledge of operant training techniques.
• Must have knowledge of husbandry requirements and the prevention of Zoonotic diseases.
• Must be knowledgeable of the Zoo’s layout and animal collection to respond quickly during animal emergencies.
• Must be comfortable with public speaking, as participation in education and media programs is required.
• Must be able to represent the Zoo in a courteous and professional image.
• Must be able to maintain effective working relationships with other Zoo employees and the public.
• Must be able to work a 40-hour workweek.
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and evenings.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent. A college degree in biological science is preferred. A minimum of one (1) year paid, verifiable animal keeper experience is preferred. This must include documented direct animal care, husbandry, and operant conditional training. Or, if following a non-traditional path, successful completion of the same type of internship at an AZA accredited or affiliate facility is required.

This must include a minimum of 175 hours with documented direct animal care, husbandry, and operant conditioning training. Experience in a zoological environment is essential.

$17.36 - $18.63/hour

Please send a cover letter and resume to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and…