Keeper II

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum•Tucson, AZ

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Our Animal Experiences Department has an opening for a motivated Keeper II desiring to work with and learn about a variety of raptors and corvids. This is a full-time Keeper II position in our Raptor Free Flight program with a temporary contract (October 1, 2026, through April 15, 2027). The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of husbandry specific to raptors, knowledge of operant conditioning training methods, have the ability to multi-task, and be comfortable presenting programs in a small group setting as well as working well with a variety of volunteers. This position is considered open until filled; however, application review will begin immediately. Please understand that if offered a position you will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen and provide a current satisfactory 39-month driver's history report as a final condition of employment.

Requirements

A two-year degree with one to two years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Basic computer software knowledge to include word processing, data base, and spreadsheet applications.
Knowledge of natural history, safe animal capture and handling, husbandry, and ecosystems required.
Must be able to work holidays and weekends.
Must demonstrate schedule flexibility according to department needs.
Valid Arizona Driver’s License or ability to obtain.
Satisfactory 39-month DMV report.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Sonoran Desert region highly desirable.
Knowledge of zoo facilities and operations desirable.
Strong knowledge of husbandry specific to raptors.
Knowledge of operant conditioning training methods.
Ability to multi-task.
Comfortable presenting programs in a small group setting.
Working well with a variety of volunteers.

Responsibilities

Prepares food for charges by chopping or grinding meat, fish, fruit, or vegetables; mixing prepared, dry, or liquid commercial feeds, or unbaling forage grasses per department practices and protocols.
Cleans and fills water containers and places food in enclosures per department practices and protocols.
Adds vitamins, medications or supplements to food or water as prescribed by ASDM's Veterinarian.
Observes animals to detect illnesses or injuries and notifies Curator or ASDM's Veterinarians of findings. Will promptly notify Curator or veterinary team of issues and concerns.
Assists ASDM's Veterinarians and Veterinary Technician in treatment of animals for illnesses and injuries.
Will perform injection of prescribed medications after appropriate training from ASDM veterinary staff or Vet Technician.
Cleans and disinfects animals' quarters per department practices and protocols.
Will assist with developing desired animal behaviors per department practices and protocols.
Will be involved with the training, management and certification of volunteers.
Under curatorial direction, transfers Collection animals from one location or enclosure to another for purposes such as rearrangement of exhibits, veterinary needs, or programs.
Sets temperature and humidity controls of quarters as specified per department practices and protocols.
Answers visitor questions concerning animal habits, conservation, or museum operations.
Participates in educational activities as required, (i.e., Docent classes, ADC, Art Institute, media).
May be responsible for training volunteers, Docents and Education staff on how to work with interpretive animals.
Assists other collection departments, maintenance, and exhibits staff when required.
Will provide and create approved environmental enrichment, following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols.
Will participate in formal presentations at ASDM or off-site, (i.e., Keeper talks, theater programs, behind-the-scenes tours).
Will complete on-line annual training as required.