Animal Keeper - Primate Department (Multiple Positions)

Cincinnati Zoo•Cincinnati, OH

8d•$22 - $29

About The Position

Animal Keeper – Primate Ceneter Team The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is known for many things- our conservation efforts, our green initiatives, our friendly staff… but did you know that we have a strong set of core values that make us the best team around, and a Top Workplace in Cincinnati? We’re more than coworkers… we’re family. By building Collaborative Relationships, displaying Positivity & Energy, having Pride, Passion & a Sense of Ownership, supporting Accountability, Mutual Trust & Respect, and embracing Progressive Thinking, we have built a team of dedicated staff that focuses on our visitors, our community & our future. This is what we believe and how we act. If this gets you fired up, we look forward to having you join the team! We are hiring for NEW positions added to each CZBG primate team! Jungle Trails – Bonobos, Orangutans, Gibbons (multiple species), Gray’s Guenon, Black Howler Monkeys, White-Faced Saki Monkeys, Golden Headed Lion Tamarin, Sifaka, Aye-Aye, Greater Galago, Potto, Pygmy Slow Lorises Primate Center – 3 Gorilla Troops, Gibbons, Guereza Colobus, Lemur Description: These are full-time (40 hours per week with benefits) Union keeper positions, which are subject to the successful completion of a probationary (or trial period) and the deduction of union dues. Regular off-days will be determined upon hire but will fall between Monday thru Friday. The area schedule consists of 4 10-hour days. Summary: These positions encompass skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures, and related facilities in the Primate Department.

Requirements

Demonstration of excellent communication and problem-solving skills, while applying good judgment, to deliver animal care and guest experiences that meet the highest standards
Demonstration of knowledge and successful experience in animal husbandry, operant conditioning, and understanding of modern zoological practices
Ability to understand and adhere to area safety policies and best practices
The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers (including staff, interns, students and volunteers)
Must be able to lift & move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance
possess a valid driver’s license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle).

Nice To Haves

A degree in the biological sciences or related field, preferred
2 years of primate husbandry experience in an AZA institution, preferred
Experience with outdoor habitat maintenance is preferred

Responsibilities

Clean animal displays, holding areas, service areas, public sections and grounds
Complete inspection of all enclosures to ensure the safety of the animals
Identify maintenance issues and correct or repair each as required, reporting non-correctable maintenance issues, including potential safety hazards, to the Team Leader and/or Zoological Manager
Observe general animal health and behavior, on a daily basis, and report any abnormal circumstances to a supervisor
Maintain records of health, behavior, enrichment, operant conditioning and visitor engagement
Prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures for the animal collection
Perform operant conditioning and enrichment programs in assigned areas
Instruct new personnel in the proper methods of animal care and handling consistent with approved policies and procedures
Assist in the training, supervision, evaluation of volunteers, interns, and vocational students, as needed
Assist animal health and curatorial staff with animal handling, capture, restraint, transport and medication administration
Support visitor engagement programs
Interact with the public and Zoo staff in a professional and courteous manner
Make decisions consistent with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden policies and procedures when required
Perform daily duties in all sections of assigned department as required
Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Benefits

Union negotiated pay rates, with a starting range between 22.27-28.65 per hour, determined by years of field experience.
200 PTO hours accrued throughout the first year of service, 80 of which is loaded into the PTO bank upon hire
Competitive benefit packages and retirement matching programs
Employee Assistance Programs
Facility culture that highlights the following core values:
Collaborative Relationships
Pride, Passion, and a Sense of Ownership
Positivity and Energy
Accountability, Mutual Trust, and Respect
Progressive Thinking
Intentional professional development opportunities, for both animal care and "people” skills
comprehensive & affordable medical, dental & vision coverage (starting the first day of the month following date of hire)
free mental health counseling
401(k) plan with company match
flexible spending accounts
company-paid disability & life insurance
park discounts and free passes.