Lead Animal Keeper-McCormick Bird House

Lincoln Park Zoological Society•Chicago, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, participates in all aspects of daily animal care and maintenance of particular exhibits. As team lead, individual will be responsible for communication between management team and animal keepers. Team lead will also be responsible for scheduling, assigning tasks, organizing meetings, overseeing compliance with implementing procedures approved by the management team. This position works in a team atmosphere that strives to continuously provide progressive, high standards of care to ensure animal health, safety, and well-being. Position works with team to identify and solve problems, maintain motivation to accomplish department goals and ensure a positive and productive work environment. McCormick birdhouse is an indoor tropical birdhouse housing approximately 40 different bird species. The ideal candidate will have experience with a variety of bird species, egg incubation and hand-rearing.

Requirements

Ability to work closely with the animal keepers, providing performance feedback and critical communications
Ability to adopt priorities of the management team and present to the animal keepers in a positive and productive manner to meet management goals
Knowledge of current industry standard husbandry practices and methods
Knowledge of animal behavior and natural history; common environmental enrichment and animal training practices; biology and related subjects
Knowledge of animal behavior as an indication of general health, reproductive potential and wellbeing
Knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the safe work practices to employ while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals
Knowledge of materials, methods, tools and equipment used in cleaning operations
Skill in making thorough observations and documenting observations
Ability to keep comprehensive and accurate records according to established procedures
Strong oral and written communications skills
Ability to both give and follow oral and written directions effectively
Ability to give and receive constructive feedback
Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all projects
Ability to work in any of the assigned animal areas fulfilling all requirements of the title
Ability to exercise sound judgement in analyzing animal behavior problems or emergency situations, and to respond with appropriate action
Ability to work with and be comfortable around potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species
Ability to work with potentially dangerous machinery, animal handling tools, squeeze cages, chemicals, and/or medications
Ability to interact courteously, respectfully and productively with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors, and general public
Knowledge of basic computer programs/software (Word, Excel, and Internet/Intranet navigation)
Graduation from a high school or the equivalent (GED) is required.
Previous experience performing animal care activities in a zoo, aquarium or like institutions is highly desirable.
Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time
Ability to navigate uneven surfaces and regularly perform a variety of physical tasks that include but are not limited to climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, crawling
Physical strength, including ability to frequently move up to fifty (50) pounds
Ability to work in small, confined spaces
Ability to work in all weather conditions
Ability to wear requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that may include rubber/latex gloves, steel-toed boots/shoes, face shields, eye goggles
No allergy related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to work
No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch balance and ability of movement that might interfere with ability to work
Ability to maintain immune response to exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases
Ability to swim may be required for some positions
Available to work all necessary hours, including weekends, holidays, special events and all shifts.
Available to attend on-ground training sessions as needed

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Biological Sciences (i.e. Biology, Zoology, Ecology) or a closely related discipline is preferred.
Experience in designated taxonomic area preferred.
Experience and proficiency in animal training using operant conditioning techniques and goal-based enrichment is preferred.
A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills, and ability required may qualify an individual.
A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is preferred
Proof of negative TB test

Responsibilities

Create building run schedules and assign/delegate tasks to animal keeper staff as scheduling and staffing allows
Organize and conduct building meetings, ensuring agendas are set and notes are taken and distributed
Ensure compliance with approved procedures and activities including TRACKS record keeping, animal training, enrichment calendars, lock check procedures, medication procedures, policy reviews, safety protocols and quality/quantity of animal husbandry duties by the animal keepers
Organize training of new animal keepers, verify when training is complete and conduct specialized training when needed
Participate in the interview and recommendation process for hiring new animal keepers
Provide constructive feedback to animal keepers and management team on the work performance of the animal keepers
Collaborate with animal keepers to suggest purchases of supplies and provide to the management team
Proactively participate in the development and implementation of animal management plans, including but not limited to (behavioral exam plan, birth management, transport, veterinary procedure, introduction)
Promotes, advances, and helps implement staffing decisions from the management team
Promotes and contributes to a positive and productive work environment
Provides support and guidance towards completion of performance goals, encouraging good communication skills, and teamwork
Provides suggestions to management team for diet adjustments based on personal observations and keeper feedback, ensuring all team members are updated on diet changes
Ensure daily run protocols are updated on an annual or as needed basis
Effectively communicate all building updates to team members
Possess knowledge of current training and enrichment program in the building, including assigned plans, progress status, and necessary scheduling; Responsible for staying informed and up-to-date, and must be able to readily access and communicate this information as needed
Work in conjunction with other departments to help organize special projects in their respected animal area such as horticulture, facilities, and contractors
Is proficient, trained and up to date on all runs within the building
Is knowledgeable and has a working understanding of all job-related aspects of building operations and helps to ensure institutional knowledge is documented
Communicate with management regarding any needed work orders, submitting work orders as needed
Provides daily care to animals and their enclosures. Including, but not limited to cleaning, feeding, watering, securing, observing, animal training and enrichment, record keeping and maintaining exhibits
Participates in daily operant conditioning training sessions, working with teams to advance program in alignment with established goals for species behavior and wellbeing. This includes developing training plans and completing training records
Advances behavioral enrichment program by planning, implementing and evaluating enrichment activities
Participates in welfare discussions and assessments as assigned, implementing welfare action items as needed
Collects ZooMonitor data as assigned
Tasks may include heavy manual and skilled work such as moving and manipulating heavy food items, hoses, bales of hay, equipment and crated animals
Advances zoo mission through collaboration with horticulture, conservation & science, development, learning and community engagement programs as assigned.
Assist in delivery of education programs formally through Learning Department, and informally through interaction with zoo guests; conducting tours and participating in research projects as needed
Cleans and maintains animal exhibits including use of chemical agents and special tools which are used to ensure the health and safety of the animals
Under supervision, maintains excellence in exhibit display including furnishing, landscape maintenance, modifying and performing minor repairs and upkeep as appropriate
Prepares and distributes prescribed animal diets as determined by senior animal management staff
Under supervision, administers therapeutics as prescribed by the veterinarian
Monitors health of animals on a daily basis, and reports anything abnormal or problematic behaviors to the management team without delay
Makes recommendations regarding diet change, habitat redesign and related matters and taking steps to accomplish the same
Prepares detailed written daily reports and completes all assigned record keeping in TRACKS record keeping system
Monitors the condition of habitats, equipment and facilities and communicates work order requests and emergency repairs as needed
Maintains clean and safe work environment
Maintains an inventory of tools and supplies
Adheres to established animal handling and related safety guidelines
Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures. Under supervision, captures, restrains, and transports animals
Jobs may require coordination with other zoo departments
Promotes a positive guest experience
Keepers assigned to evening or night shift will devote their time for animal observations and other assigned duties
May have direct responsibility for a specialized aspect of assigned animals
Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations
Work necessary hours as requested including all shifts, weekends, holidays, and special events

Benefits

medical
dental
vision
life
disability coverages
403(b) savings plan with an institutional match
Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!