Carnivore Keeper I

Atlanta-Fulton County Zoo Inc•Atlanta, GA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Animal keepers are responsible for animal welfare and husbandry, including training and enrichment. Additionally, animal keepers are responsible for maintenance of habitats, holding areas, and public areas as assigned. The Keeper I will report to the Lead Keeper. Zoo Atlanta’s Carnivore Department currently houses African lions, Sumatran tigers, giant river otters, binturong, sun bears, red panda, and naked mole rats, with additional species to be added in the future. For more information about our mission, animal, conservation, and research programs visit www.zooatlanta.org.

Requirements

Prior carnivore experience and/or related exotic animal care experience are required. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques is required.
Must have the ability to: demonstrate focus, follow written verbal instructions, effectively promote organization, manage stress to perform the job effectively, remember details, manage time effectively, apply critical thinking techniques, analyze, and solve problems.
Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.
Must be able to use light power tools after suitable training.
Must obtain and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license with a safe driving record.
Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and have the physical ability to perform strenuous work along with some heavy lifting.
After being properly trained, all keepers working with, or around dangerous animals must be able to carry and utilize OC spray.

Nice To Haves

Four-year degree in biology, psychology, or related field is preferred; sufficient relevant experience will be considered.
Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

Must be willing to support Zoo Atlanta’s strategic plan, mission and values, and work with all zoo staff to support these plans.
Maintain a high-performance level of excellent animal care.
Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection including training, enrichment, research, and education.
Complete behavioral management training provided by Zoo Atlanta and utilize operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
Complete animal welfare training provided by Zoo Atlanta, participate in animal welfare assessments, and contribute to follow-through on animal welfare action items when necessary.
Effectively monitor health and behavior of the animal collection and communicate changes to supervisor and veterinary staff. Oversee administration of medications as applicable.
Actively support and implement area policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the collection and the safety of staff and guests.
Maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures.
Use positive interpersonal skills to form and maintain professional relationships within the work environment.
Maintain a high-performance level of guest interactions including scheduled on-ground talks.
Takes action to advance and promote department function and productively motivates others to do the same.
Highly proficient at communicating with supervisory staff and co-workers both written and orally.
Write daily reports, logs, animal records, and other records as assigned and serves as a resource for effective record keeping.
Demonstrates the ability to coordinate and supervise activities of interns and volunteers.
Actively assists others in expanding and developing their job knowledge.
Must be able to work independently.
Responsible for special projects, procedures, and goals set forth by the area managers.
Demonstrates the ability to meet challenges with a solution-oriented approach.
Must be dependable and reliable: be timely, be responsive, be organized, meet deadlines, take responsibility, and help other zoo staff as needed.
Promote communication and information sharing between the zoological community.
Employees must strive to decrease our environmental footprint to serve as models to our patrons to do the same through education and example.
Must be able and willing to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays.
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.