Animal Keeper

Lehigh Valley Zoo Animal Keeper

JOB SUMMARY

The Animal Keeper is responsible for the daily care and welfare of animals within their area. Each Lehigh Valley Zoo team member plays a crucial part in helping our organization save species.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Knowledge of current zoo animal husbandry standards and natural history
• Knowledge of USDA and AZA standards
• Performs all daily husbandry tasks, including cleaning and diet prep
• Must be able to evaluate and report animal behavior to Lead Keeper and Assistant Curator
• Maintains accurate and detailed daily animal records
• Implements and evaluates behavioral enrichment in accordance with zoo policy
• Basic knowledge of operant conditioning
• Assist the veterinary staff in capturing, restraining, and administering prescribed medications and procedures as necessary.
• Maintain exhibit esthetics, including routine exhibit maintenance and minor repairs.
• Demonstrates knowledge of zoo-wide and area emergency procedures
• Interacts with zoo visitors through animal presentations, scheduled and informal keeper talks, and provides a positive guest experience.
• Works cooperatively with other zoo departments
• Demonstrates an ability to work in a team setting with a positive attitude
• Demonstrates initiative and motivation to learn and complete projects
• Participate in regular Animal Care team meetings and trainings.
• Communicates department updates to the team and supervisors in a timely and professional manner
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES - Animal handling skills - Critical thinking skills to troubleshoot and reveal solutions to assist the progression of the animal care team - Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently with purpose and accuracy as well in a group setting - Excellent time management with the ability to multitask - Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships - Good interpersonal skills with the ability and desire to work as a team member - Able to follow written and oral directions, exercise good judgment, and apply safety precautions applicable to the work - Knowledge of and a history of operant conditioning techniques.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE - Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related field required. Advanced degree in animal sciences, biology, wildlife management, or equivalent combination of training and experience - Minimum one to two years of comparable level experience in a zoo environment - Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hour assignments - Possess a valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands:
Performing the job duties of this position involves walking throughout the zoo grounds, standing for long periods, and other physical tasks, including sit; stand; use hands to fingers; handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. Employees must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to drive Zoo vehicles.

Lehigh Valley Zoo
5150 Game Preserve Road
Schnecksville, PA 18078
Phone: