Mammal Keeper

Zoological Society•Pittsburgh, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The keeper position is an hourly, collective bargaining unit position responsible for care of the Zoo animal collection.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology, chemistry, or related field or an associate’s degree in the related sciences and 2 years of professional exotic animal experience in a zoological setting.
In lieu of either degree, an additional two years may be substituted to equal a total of 4 years exotic animal experience.
Animal experience related to the area that the position will be assigned will take priority.
Valid driver’s license is required.
Must be able to lift 50 lbs. chest height; as well as perform a host of physical activities on a daily basis.
Some of these requirements include walking, stooping, pushing, pulling, climbing, grasping, bending, crawling, carrying, handling dexterity, etc.
The work performed is physical and demanding and also involves working outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
Must be available to work nights, weekends and holidays; minimal travel may be required.

Responsibilities

Observes the animals (e.g. mammals, birds, reptiles, aquatic life, etc.), for disease, injuries, unusual behavior, pregnancy, etc.
Reports observations to assigned Lead Keeper, assistant curator or curator
Requests, stores, prepares and distributes animal food and water in a timely manner.
Maintains and cleans in and around habitat and exhibit quarters, kitchen area, and public space surrounding the exhibits etc.
Inspects animal exhibit and habitat perimeters for security and assists in the implementation of the pest control program
Monitors life support systems (e.g. filtration water systems, water circulation systems, etc.), maintains appropriate environmental conditions; makes minor repairs and/or refers for permanent repairs; checks locks on cages
Assists veterinarian and technicians in animal examination and treatment; performs prescribed medical treatments and procedures
May assist in research study procedures and in the collection of data and preparation of reports
Keeps feeding, breeding, and health and animal inventory records in the required formats; prepares reports as requested or required
Catches animals and assists in transferring and transporting; may pick up and deliver animals as requested or required
Answers questions and conducts tours for educational programs and the general public, gives direction as needed and polices the grounds.
Participates in training programs at the zoo or at remote locations. Attends professional conferences and prepares and delivers professional papers or articles. May assist in providing training to staff or volunteers as requested
Assists the Lead Keeper and/or Curatorial personnel in exhibit preparation and horticultural staff with planting exhibits
Collects biological specimens and assists in chemical or physical restraint of animal’s environments
Positively interact with guests in order to educate them on the animals in the collection.
Conducts and implements operant conditioning for the animals under their care, as necessary and completes the appropriate documentation in the required format.
Provides regular enrichment for all animals in the area and completes the appropriate documentation, in the required format.
Performs work in accordance with wildlife regulations; may make water tests and regulate temperatures, etc.; performs activities and functions of related lower-level personnel and other related tasks and duties that are assigned or required.
Performs other related duties as required.