Keeper - Sea Lions
About The Position
This is a unique opportunity to join the state-of-the-art exhibit, Owen Sea Lion Shores, at Omaha Zoo. The position involves assisting in all necessary animal care, training, and husbandry work for the sea lion collection. It also includes maintaining standardized training and enrichment programs, monitoring animal behavior and health, and participating in educational and animal encounter opportunities. The role requires collaboration with the zoo's Behavioral Husbandry and Wellbeing Department and assisting with veterinary care, breeding, and nutritional programs. The position reports directly to the Sea Lion Supervisor.
Requirements
- Demonstrates a knowledge of current industry resources addressing animal welfare practices, training methods, and progressive enrichment techniques.
- Must have a general knowledge of animal husbandry.
- Extensive knowledge of operant conditioning, comprehending basic and advanced training terminology, reinforcement scenarios, and techniques.
- Be able to detail a personal history of successfully training animals for complex behavioral goals, and describe any mentoring other trainers in developing similar skills.
- Demonstrate an understanding of natural history and range of species-typical behaviors.
- Must be capable of utilizing Microsoft Office software and have the ability to research training journals and training developments to aid the department in staying progressive.
- Must have good oral and written communication skills.
- Required to pass a pre-employment background check.
- Required to pass a drug test.
- Must possess a valid drivers license with a good history.
Nice To Haves
- Previous work experience with pinnipeds and/or personal experience and participation in animal training and enchainment programs are highly recommended.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for the daily care of the departments animal collection, record keeping, animal enrichment, animal training, monitoring behavior, changes in animal health, and some exhibit maintenance.
- Aid in maintaining standardized training and enrichment programs, including goal development and record keeping.
- Assessing, developing, implementing, and evaluating training and enrichment practices that enhance the daily animal husbandry of all collection animals, and meets the zoos goals for educational and animal encounter opportunities.
- Respect institutional guidelines regarding progressive animal welfare and aid in regular assessments of the well-being of the animals.
- Maintain good communication with personnel in the zoo's Behavioral Husbandry and Wellbeing Department, integrating their team into development of training, enrichment, and welfare goals.
- Participate in daily team discussions and activities to aid in the growth and professional development of the team.
- Aid area supervisor in the management of breeding and nutritional programs.
- Assist in administering veterinary care.
- Assist other zoo departments, whenever needed.
- Assist with some mechanical repairs and maintenance work, within the department.
- Cleaning all off-exhibit areas and will also be expected to assist with the cleaning of areas visible to the public.
- Provide interactive guest experiences including public speaking for presentations and events.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
