Ark Encounter Avian Keeper I Full Time

ANSWERS IN GENESIS GROUP•Williamstown, KY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Avian Keeper I provides foundational animal care, daily husbandry, habitat maintenance, and observational tracking for assigned avian species at the Ark Encounter. The role follows standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support animal health and safety, implements pre-approved enrichment, and assists with positive reinforcement training under direct supervision. Assigned species may include psittacines, ratites, birds of prey, cranes, and storks. The position includes guest engagement and requires a service mindset aligned with Answers in Genesis’ mission and SERVE core values: Serve, Equip, Relate, Value, and Engage. The keeper helps maintain animal welfare and safe zoo operations, and has opportunities for spiritual, personal, and professional development. The role requires working outdoors and indoors in varied weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold, wind, rain, and snow.

Requirements

Agree with and be able to sign the Answers in Genesis Statement of Faith.
Maintain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and regularly attend a local Bible-believing church.
Be available to work weekends and holidays.
Have at least one year of work in an animal care environment and/or be pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field.
Be at least 18 years old.
Possess a valid driver’s license to operate ministry trucks and vehicles.
Be able to bend and lift up to 50 pounds.
Be able to stand and move throughout the attraction for the entire shift.
Be able to perform duties in varied temperatures and weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold, wind, rain, and snow.
Have a foundational understanding of general biology, animal kinds, dispersion, and natural histories for species in assigned areas.
Recognize basic normal species behavior and indicators of stress, aggression, or fear.
Have basic computer proficiency for logging daily records and reading reports in specialized animal software.
Commit to following SOPs, safety standards, and appropriate PPE usage.
Complete an online application, provide salary requirements, a salvation testimony, and a creation belief statement, and confirm agreement with the AiG Statement of Faith.
Complete a background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field.
Two years of experience working in a relevant animal care field.
Strong background and experience working with a variety of avian species.
Basic understanding of animal health care and husbandry techniques.
Awareness of animal enrichment.
Enjoy interacting with guests.

Responsibilities

Promote the mission and standards of Answers in Genesis.
Create a SERVE culture in all work and approach tasks with a second-mile mindset.
Prioritize personal integrity in interactions and assignments.
Engage with guests within the zoo and greater attraction.
Care for assigned avian species, which may include psittacines, ratites, birds of prey, cranes, and storks.
Prepare and distribute daily diets, clean and maintain habitats, and follow section SOPs.
Use animal care software to complete daily task checklists, record observations, and review daily reports.
Observe animals, identify normal and abnormal behaviors, and promptly report signs of illness, injury, or stress to management and veterinary staff.
Plan and schedule environmental enrichment based on behavioral goals; provide pre-approved enrichment, observe animal responses, and document interactions.
Participate in operant conditioning for husbandry behaviors and assist with maintaining established behaviors and training new behaviors under experienced staff or leadership direction.
Handle approved animals safely and calmly while using appropriate personal protective equipment.
Ensure the safety of guests, animals, and fellow staff members while performing job duties.
Keep designated areas clean and free of clutter.
Follow SOPs and applicable state and federal animal welfare regulations, including USDA requirements.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities assigned by management.