Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Reports To: Keeper 4-Lead Keeper and Animal Department Managers

Department: Animal Care

Salary: $17.95/hr.

Job Status: Full-time , Non Exempt

Union Status: Union

Position Scope: 

All animal keeper levels are responsible for animal husbandry, including training and enrichment. Additionally, animal keepers are responsible for maintenance of habitats, holdings, and public areas as assigned. All keeper levels will expect to be responsible for normal keeper duties as part of the daily responsibilities. The Keeper 3 will report to the Keeper 4-Lead Keeper and Animal Department Managers. This position has no direct staff reports but will liaise with animal managers. This position has no direct staff reports but will liaise with animal managers. We expect this position to provide positive leadership and promote a positive work culture.

Essential Functions: 

• Monitor health and behavior of the animal collection and communicate changes to supervisor and veterinary staff. Oversee administration of medications as applicable. 
• Complete daily records in Zoological Information Management Systems (ZIMS), in-house Quality of Life (QOLs) records and participate in completion of Animal Welfare forms. 
• Maintain a high-performance level of advanced keeper duties including excellent animal care and guest interactions.
• All keepers will be expected to become familiar with AZA Animal Care husbandry standards, as well as USDA and      OSHA standards. 
• Actively participate in the improvement of area policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the collection and the safety of staff and guests with the willingness to provide constructive feedback. 
• Demonstrate the ability to coordinate and supervise activities of interns and volunteers. 
• Communicates effectively with supervisory staff and co-workers, both written and orally. 
• Actively participate in workshops, seminars, activities, and conferences aimed at continually improving job knowledge and professional development.
• Responsible for special projects, procedures, and goals set forth by the animal department managers. 
• Keeper 3 will show the ability to gain additional responsibilities above Keeper 1 or 2. This may include coordination of programs or service on committees. The position may also include monitoring a single animal area of the zoo and coordinating management with the Animal Department Managers. Duties will consist of following through with diet changes, facilitating area projects, delegating responsibility to keeper staff, and ensuring the area is USDA compliant.
• Keeper 3 would be eligible for participation in SSP and studbook management such as Institutional Representative (IR) roles, at the approval of the Animal Department Managers. 
• Keeper 3 will maintain an active role in the Utica Zoo emergency response team, as deemed necessary by animal      management. 
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; therefore, the employee may be required to perform other      reasonably related duties as assigned by management. 

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 4 years animal care experience as determined by Utica Zoo is required. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is also preferred. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. 
• Good communication skills, an enthusiasm for interacting with the public and a willingness to give regular talks to guests, special groups, etc. 
• Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques is preferred. Must have strong written and oral skills. 
• Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.  
• Must have the ability to use light power tools after suitable training. 
• Must obtain and maintain a valid New York driver’s license within six months of employ. 

Education / Experience:

• Four-year degree in biology, psychology, or related field is preferred; sufficient relevant experience will be considered. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and have the physical ability to perform strenuous work. Must be capable of lifting 50 lbs. or more. 

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The Utica Zoo provides equal employment opportunities to all current employees and all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, natural origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  

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