Job Description: Ambassador Animal Keeper

Company: Potawatomi Zoo
Location: SOUTH BEND, Indiana (United States)
Job Category: General
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: $ - Hourly

Ambassador Animal Keeper

The Potawatomi Zoo is seeking a qualified individual to fill a full-time Ambassador Animal Keeper position. The successful candidate will have the skills and competency to perform normal keeper duties as needed in the assigned area as well as to help build and develop the zoos growing ambassador animal collection. This individual will be responsible for carrying out all aspects of daily animal care and husbandry for a diverse collection of animals. The Ambassador Animal Zookeeper will work closely with the General Curator along with the Education Curator as it pertains to the development of animal training and handling protocols. A strong commitment to teamwork, professionalism, and excellence is required. This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week with competitive pay that will be based on the level of experience. Benefits are available after eligibility requirements are met.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for the daily observation of animal health and welfare.
Preparation of animal diets; feeding and watering animals according to a predetermined schedule.
Cleaning and disinfection of animal enclosures, holding areas, and exhibit features; food and water dishes / pans; draining and cleaning pools; collection and disposal of refuse.
Reporting births, deaths, injuries and/or irregular behavior of animals to appropriate manager. Assists with animal health procedures.
Daily involvement in improving the quality of life of the animals by developing and implementing behavior modification and enrichment programs to elicit species-typical behaviors.
Serves as primary trainer for program animals and determines priority of training behaviors per species for the purpose of improving animal welfare and/or public demonstrations.
Maintaining daily reports and other records.
Trains new keepers, educators, docents, and interns per AZA standards for ambassador animals. Certifies new animal handlers on each tier of program animals through record keeping.
Assisting with the movement, capture and restraint of animals.
Maintains exhibit materials and landscaping, such as caring for plants in and around exhibits, cleaning and installing perches, nest boxes, bedding materials, feed containers, and decorative materials and understands how these will be used by animals and their safety.
Reports maintenance issues and potential safety concerns to the manager; performing minor repairs and improvements of exhibits under supervision.
Monitoring and informing the public as necessary; responsible for public safety.
Maintaining Standards Operating Procedures (SOP).
Providing daily keeper guest experiences on a routine basis.
Maintaining and inspecting areas to meet AZA and USDA standards.
Carries out duties and job assignments as delegated by immediate managers or other appropriate members of management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate would be personable, proactive, self-motivated, independent, a problem solver, and be able to work with intermittent guidance.
Must have experience working with ambassador animals in an AZA facility with a knowledge of AZA’s ambassador animal standards.
Possess good verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, volunteers, the general public, and ambassador animals such as small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects (handling required).
Must be capable of speaking in front of a large group of people while appropriately handling an ambassador animal. Must enjoy working with the public and will serve the Zoo as a positive advocate in the community.
Must possess a valid Indiana or Michigan driver’s license.
Bachelor’s degree in a Biological Science (i.e. Biology, Zoology) or closely related field preferred with preference given to applicants with at least one-year or more of experience working with a diverse collection in a zoological, wildlife park or a closely related environment.
Able to stand for up to 8 hours
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a routine basis

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near potentially dangerous animals, moves around mechanical parts and works in all types of weather conditions. The employee frequently works in precarious places and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.

Please submit resume and cover letter to Jami Richard, General Curator, at hr@potawatomizoo.org

Potawatomi Zoo

500 S Green Lawn Ave

South Bend, IN 46615

Visit our website (http://potawatomizoo.org)

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