PT Zookeeper - Birds

Sedgwick County•Wichita, KS

8d•Onsite

About The Position

In a team setting provides daily care for avian collection including: feeding, cleaning, monitoring artificial egg incubation, hand-rearing neonates; observing, recording, and reporting behavior. Participates in animal well-being assessment practices. Produces and provides goal-based animal training and enrichment. Inspects facilities for security, safety, repair and maintenance. Interacts and provides customer service to all Zoo-defined customers. Job duties may extend to other animal taxa. This position participates in a mandatory on-call rotation.

Requirements

Three years of experience in Biology, Zoology, Animal Care, or a related field.
Up to three years of experience (all) may be substituted with education that provides applicable knowledge and skills.
Valid US driver’s license without restrictions and current proof of automobile insurance.

Nice To Haves

Two years of animal care experience.
Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
Experience with power tools.
Experience using a skid steer and bobcat.
Degree in Zoology, Biology, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Responsibilities

Ensure animals are housed and cared for in ways that meet all Zoo-defined goals.
Observe and understand the complexities of animal behavior, including individual animals and larger social context, animal general health, and behavior.
Recognize abnormalities and potential medical conditions, and communicate observations of animal behavior and health condition to veterinary staff, supervisor, curator, and other pertinent staff members.
Handle animals for husbandry needs, medical purposes, and in preparation for transport.
Monitor incubation process of eggs; record weights and size. Set eggs in incubators, monitor temperature and humidity, candle eggs to determine fertility, and assist in egg hatching, under the direction of supervisor and curator.
Enter and swim in aquatic habitats, on occasion, but never fully submerges (head stays above water).
Follow all safety protocols and area SOP’s while working with and around delicate, wild and potentially dangerous animals. Complete required training and safely operate all zoo-required equipment for completion of job duties.
Drive Zoological Society-owned vehicles, as needed, to care for or transfer animals to other zoological facilities. Animal transfer trips may occasionally require overnight travel.
Through consultation with supervisors and other resources, develop and maintain a skillset of positive animal well-being and animal training.
Use positive reinforcement training to assist with husbandry tasks and to maintain a safe working environment.
Maintain thorough and accurate record keeping: animal training, enrichment, behavioral observations and health conditions.
Clean and maintain service areas, animal habitats and public areas so they are clean, organized and aesthetically pleasing.
Complete daily inspections of animal habitats and associated facilities for security and safety concerns.
Conduct minor repairs to facilities or promptly submits concerns to supervisor.
Ensure that habitats are ready for public display in a timely manner.
Communicate any pest control concerns to supervisors or veterinary team.