Job Description: Senior Zookeeper

Brights Zoo is located in East Tennessee (Between Greeneville TN and Johnson City TN) We are a ZAA accredited facility.

Senior Zookeeper

Description

Interested applicants must be available any of the seven days of the week. Scheduled hours will be approximately 40 per week. Desirable qualifications for this position include a minimum of 5 years of experience as a Keeper in a Zoological institution as well as experience in animal husbandry, animal behavior, care, feeding and handling of exotic animals, safety practices around wild animals, biology/zoology, and techniques for restraining and capturing wild animals.   The ideal candidate has experience being a team lead or section lead.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Keeper performs all job assignments with a positive attitude and pursues green/conservation practices when feasible. The Keeper participates in the feeding and general care and welfare of assigned exhibit animals (mammals, reptiles or birds); cleans exhibit areas; provides exhibit security; and performs related work as required. The Senior keeper leady by example and has the ability to train in newer keepers. A qualified candidate for this position consistently demonstrates the desire and ability to engage in positive relationships with internal and external customers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for the feeding and general care and welfare of assigned exhibit animals
• Administers prescribed medication and nutritional supplements
• Keeps feeding records
• Observes assigned animals
• Reports abnormal conditions to superiors
• Cleans exhibit areas, pools, animal sleeping areas and service areas
• Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers
• Maintains health and behavior records on assigned animals
• Answers questions from the public concerning exhibit animals
• Provides exhibit security
• Participates in capturing, incapacitating and moving exhibit animals
• Assists medical staff in treating animals
• Performs minor or routine maintenance on exhibit enclosures
• Reports the need for major maintenance and repairs
• Operates a variety of light and medium equipment
• Performs minor or routine maintenance on exhibit enclosures
• Reports maintenance needs
• Operates a variety of light and medium equipment
• Model for punctuality and professionalism
• Exemplifies the highest standard of work ethics
• Ability to manage keepers assigned to your team.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Observes assigned animals with regard to general appearance, feeding habits, condition of fecal matter, etc
• Provides exhibit security and takes appropriate action to prevent vandalism or maltreatment of animals by the public
• May assist in installing, repairing and maintaining irrigation systems in exhibit areas
• Assists with procedures on a limited basis at the lead’s/manager’s discretion
• Lead/Senior keepers are also responsible for leading, training and assisting keepers on their team.

ANCILLARY FUNCTIONS

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

5 plus years working in a zoological institution. Education, training and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the knowledge and skills outlined. Knowledge of: Animal behavior Animal biology; zoology Care, feeding and handling of wild animals Safety practices around wild animals Techniques for restraining or capturing wild animals Organizational policies, procedures and regulations.Ability to: Operate a motor vehicle, when required Communicate and work effectively with others Work in a team environment Multi-task and prioritize Understand and follow directions effectively Deal tactfully and courteously with others Competently perform the representative duties outlined above Perform each Essential job function at a high level

Ability to:

• Operate a motor vehicle, when required
• Communicate and work effectively with others
• Work in a team environment
• Multi-task and prioritize
• Understand and follow directions effectively
• Deal tactfully and courteously with others
• Competently perform the representative duties outlined above
• Perform each Essential job function at a high level

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Frequent exposure to close contact with a wide variety of exhibit animals, mammals, reptiles, or birds; work in uneven terrain with exposure to varying weather conditions, dust, and allergens; move about on slippery surfaces; handle toxic and/or hazardous materials; and work in confined or cramped spaces. May work from elevated positions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position has been identified as one requiring at least occasional lifting in excess of 50 pounds; frequently move moderate to heavy objects; standing, bending, squatting, twisting, reaching, etc.