Keeper 3 Children's Zoo

Utica Zoological Society•City of Utica, NY

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Keeper 3 position at the Children's Zoo is a full-time, non-exempt role within the Animal Care department. This position reports to the Keeper 4-Lead Keeper and Animal Department Managers. While this role does not have direct staff reports, it involves liaising with animal managers and is expected to provide positive leadership and promote a positive work culture. The core responsibilities include advanced animal husbandry, training, enrichment, habitat maintenance, and public interaction. This role requires a strong understanding of AZA Animal Care husbandry standards, USDA, and OSHA standards, and actively contributes to improving area policies and procedures.

Requirements

A minimum of 4 years animal care experience as determined by Utica Zoo is required.
Good communication skills.
Enthusiasm for interacting with the public and a willingness to give regular talks to guests, special groups, etc.
Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.
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.
Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Must have the physical ability to perform strenuous work.
Must be capable of lifting 50 lbs. or more.

Nice To Haves

Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques is preferred.
Strong written and oral skills.
Four-year degree in biology, psychology, or related field is preferred; sufficient relevant experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
Communicate 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.
Show the ability to gain additional responsibilities above Keeper 1 or 2, which may include coordination of programs or service on committees.
Monitor a single animal area of the zoo and coordinating management with the Animal Department Managers.
Follow through with diet changes, facilitating area projects, delegating responsibility to keeper staff, and ensuring the area is USDA compliant.
Eligible for participation in SSP and studbook management such as Institutional Representative (IR) roles, at the approval of the Animal Department Managers.
Maintain an active role in the Utica Zoo emergency response team, as deemed necessary by animal management.
Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by management.