Zookeeper - Tropical Forest

Zoo New England•Boston, MA

9d•$20•Onsite

About The Position

Zookeepers are responsible for performing a variety of duties related to the care and welfare of the animals in the Tropical Forest Area and other ZNE animal areas if needed. The Tropical Forest collection includes an assortment of tropical species including gorilla, ring-tailed lemur, De Brazza's monkey, cotton-top tamarin, pygmy hippo, Baird's tapir, giant anteater, and various species of birds, snakes, amphibians and insects. The duties of this area include cleaning animal spaces, preparing and feeding diets, providing and evaluating enrichment, observing animals and maintaining records. This position requires a work schedule of 7am-3:30pm or 10:30am – 7pm in the busy season and 7:30am-4:30pm in the quiet season. This position has 2 days off during the week and you must be able to regularly work weekends and holidays, as well as overtime when needed. This is a seasonal, part-time, variable hours (0-40 per week) based on need and availability of work. WHO WE ARE Zoo New England's mission is to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by creating fun and engaging experiences that integrate wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education. Zoo New England manages and operates both Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Massachusetts, and attracts over 1 million guests. We are in an exciting growth phase, with many new projects, exhibits and events. You’ll be part of the Animal Care Team –the largest department in the zoo, responsible for the well-being of thousands of animals, of hundreds of species - many of which are endangered in the wild. Zoo New England hosts a diversity of passionate people and is a place where you can make a difference, to care for animals and to secure a future for wildlife. WHO YOU ARE Attention to detail: Provide exceptional care by ensuring all of the animals’ needs are met and observing closely for signs of illness or injury. Friendly and Welcoming: Provide great customer service to internal and external guests, answering questions, performing public talks and participating in behind-the-scenes tours in a courteous and positive way. Excellent communicator: Communicate clearly and thoroughly to supervisors and coworkers. Maintain thorough records. Excellent time management: Be punctual and manage your time to stay within schedule, completing tasks and duties in a timely manner. Work independently after being trained. Reliable and Thorough: Maintain your assigned area to a high standard, exceeding USDA and AZA standards. Provide enrichment according to the guidelines and best practices.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED.
TB tested negative within the last 12 months before starting and fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, knowledge or ability to use Microsoft Office products and use of 2-way radios.
Must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license with a safe driving history.
Must be physically able to work on their feet for long periods and lift over 50lbs.
Must have the ability to work for extended periods in harsh climatic conditions.
Must be able to function independently and as a member of a team.
Must be able to work weekends, holidays and overtime.
Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years of experience working as an animal care professional .
Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 .
TB tested negative within the last 12 months before starting if working regularly in primate areas and tested every 3 years thereafter .
Good work history .
Must speak and read English and possess written and oral communication skills to understand instructions and information of a technical nature .
Must have a valid drivers' license in good standing and be able to drive a full-size vehicle on public roads .
If qualified, may be asked to train volunteers and others in safely working with zoo animals .
Must have the ability and willingness to enhance the knowledge and skills needed to provide professional animal care .
Must have the ability and willingness to function independently and as a member of a team .
Must have the ability to work for extended periods in harsh climatic conditions .
Must have the ability to work safely around dangerous animals, chemicals, and around animals with contagious diseases .
Must have no allergies, diseases, or conditions that would prevent working in any area of the Zoos .
Must be capable of basic math .
Must be able to withstand physical hardships associated with duties, i.e. animal restraint .
Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.
Ability to use hand and small power tools .
Must be able and willing to work weekends, holidays, and overtime .

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Works safely around animals of a variety of taxa, following standard operation procedures, institutional and departmental policies and in compliance with USDA and AZA guidelines .
Provide fresh food and water daily to animals in a species-specific manner and monitor consumption.
Clean and maintain exhibits, holding and public spaces and keeper work areas to a high standard.
Provide supplements, medication and goal-based enrichment as required.
Interact with guests in a friendly manner.
Participate in keeper chats and public presentations.
Observe and report signs of health and individual/species behavior and record on ZIMS once trained.
Helps maintain charts, census forms, calendars, reports, logs as needed.

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