Lead Zookeeper - Birds

Reid Park Zoological Society Overview

Oversees care of a variety of bird species and habitats. The Lead Keeper works with the Supervisor to lead the team and will be the point person on days when the supervisor is not present. Acting as point person for the team will include organizing tasks of the day, communicating with leadership and other departments and addressing any personnel issues that may arise.

Animal care includes behavioral observations, positive reinforcement training, preparing and providing enrichment, cleaning, engaging with the welfare committee, supervising keepers and interacting with the vet team. The Lead Keeper will be responsible for daily record-keeping, including daily reports, medication logs, welfare tracking, enrichment records, animal training records, and area notes. This position will work in all the area routines and be expected to be knowledgeable on all area animals to be able to lead keepers in the absence of a supervisor.

The Lead Keeper will guide other keepers in group assignments as needed and serve as a mentor in all areas of animal care and training. This position may be responsible for overseeing specific training/enrichment goals with keepers. Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for wild animals in human care.

• Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
• Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures

• Daily cleaning associated with the animal night house, habitat, and visitor viewing area
• Husbandry care for the animals in the area (feeding, medicating, training, enriching, and care specific to the species)
• Completes reports, including but not limited to daily animal reports, enrichment logs, water quality logs, training logs, medication logs, animal incident reports, etc.
• Taking initiative to assist other keepers on new activities (first time they weigh an animal or design enrichment)
• Develops & implements enrichment activities for animals following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols
• Trains utilizing positive reinforcement to aid in animal management & promote visitor education
• Monitors animal welfare and reports concerns to supervisor
• Follows all animal care protocols and policies
• Assists in the training of new staff and mentoring volunteers

• Communicates with supervisors on the progress of keepers they are directly leading in training or husbandry sessions
• Participates in formal presentations, e.g. Keeper talks, special events, behind-the-scenes tours, etc.
• Participates in AZA groups, including SSP and TAGs when appropriate

• Assists in the capture and/or physical/chemical restraint & transportation of animals
• Participates in emergency drills
• Willingness to serve on the safety team
• Willing to maintain proficiency with darting equipment & firearms if selected for the safety team
• Responds to animal emergencies following approved protocols

• Complete all animal records in a variety of software programs, including Animal Care Software, ZIMS, etc.

• Associate’s degree in a biological science, animal, or zoology-related program, plus three to five years’ experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience, with approval from the Animal Care Director
• Successfully complete pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Comply with quarterly random drug testing if selected
• Proof of negative TB test within immediate past 12 months, OR, complete a pre-hire TB test (company paid) to be renewed annually
• Completes all training as required
• Participates in emergency drills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships, at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors and the public
• Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast paced, public/guest attraction focused environment
• Ability…