Zookeeper 1 (PT Swing Keeper)

Aza•Fargo, ND

61d

About The Position

The Red River Zoo is currently recruiting to fill part-time vacancies (Swing Zookeeper I). We are seeking highly motivated, personable individuals with strong leadership skills and innovative ideas to become part of a dynamic team of employees with a strong commitment to providing excellent care for our animal collection and positive experiences for our visitors! General Description: Swing Keepers are trained in and expected to maintain relevance in all animal sections at the Red River Zoo. Primary responsibilities include daily husbandry and welfare for assigned species and their habitats, positive and professional public interaction, and interdepartmental cooperation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology or related field preferred but not required.
Minimum of one year of full-time or two years part-time paid experience in a zoological setting or non-domestic animal care experience working with a diverse taxa; AZA accredited facility preferred.
Knowledge of current animal husbandry and welfare best practices.
Knowledge of current animal habitat care and practices.
Knowledge and experience in creating and implementing enrichment and operant conditioning.
Demonstrates professionalism and maturity at all times.
Proper interpretive techniques to relay information to visiting public.
Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
Must have good physical strength and endurance including the ability to lift, move and transport up to 60lbs.
Able and willing to work outside in all weather conditions.
Must be able to work from heights or in confined spaces and have ability to ascend, descend and work from and around stairs and ladders.
Must have a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

Follows established animal husbandry protocols.
Ensures animal habitats are cleaned daily and maintained for optimal health and safety of animal collection, and in accordance with USDA and AZA requirements.
Daily inspection of assigned areas.
Ensures animal habitats provide a positive and professional public appearance.
Provide for animals' dietary needs based on protocols established by the General Curator and the Attending Veterinarian.
Incorporates enrichment program into daily animal care and records enrichment activities in daily log.
Incorporates operant conditioning program into daily animal husbandry.
Daily observation for detection and prevention of disease.
Able to observe and interpret changes in animal behavior and other indicators of health and welfare and both record these using ZIMS and notify appropriate staff.
Able to identify safely concerns for animals, staff, or the public and report them properly.
Clean and maintain the zoo commissary, food storage areas such as hay barn or supply rooms, and shared office areas; assist with unloading supplies from delivery trucks.
Supervision of volunteers and interns as directed.
Represents Red River Zoo in a professional manner.
Makes recommendations and shares ideas for improvement to the General Curator.
Manages time efficiently.
Maintain lawn and landscaping within animal habitats; able to safely operate lawn and maintenance equipment; assist horticulture staff with landscaping outside of animal exhibits.
Perform other duties as assigned by the zoo management team on specific departmental needs or zoo wide needs and responsibilities, work collaboratively with other zoo staff and departments.
Assists with tours and events as directed.
Makes minor exhibit repairs and improvements.