Animal Care Keeper – Africa 184 views

LIVING DESERT DBA THE LIVING DESERT is looking for an Animal Care Keeper – Africa

Location: California, USA

Job Type: Full-time

Position Summary:

Reports to Animal Care Curator. This position will be focused on the giraffe savanna section of the zoo. This section is primarily comprised of giraffe, greater kudu, ostrich, East African grey crowned crane and helmeted guinea fowl. Candidates with previous hands-on giraffe training experience with hoofwork, blood draw and injection behaviors will be a plus. Strong communication, problem solving and self-motivation are also necessary skills for this position. The giraffe savanna is a key guest interactive position that requires an outgoing, creative and confident team player.

Responsibilities:

• Must represent The Living Desert in a professional manner, and act as a role model at all times
• General knowledge of zoo animal husbandry, natural history and observational skills
• Ability to use critical thinking skills to trouble shoot issues and reveal solutions to move the animal team forward
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and remain levelheaded in emergency situations
• Keep accurate and detailed records of daily observations of area collection animals containing information regarding behavior, diet intake, fecal output, behavior, health, weight, breeding, aggression, behavioral enrichment, capture/restraint, prescribed medical treatments in-house
• Attend and participate in staff meetings to discuss the needs of the animal collection and animal staff, resolve challenges, and learn new procedures and policies
• Familiar with USDA and AZA regulations and comply with them
• Contribute and maintain a safe, positive and productive workplace environment for animals, guests and staff
• Perform cleaning and maintenance of assigned habitats and make minor repairs when needed
• Diet/meal preparation, feeding and restocking of feed supplies as needed and as prescribed
• Daily cleaning of animal enclosures, service areas, holding units, and support areas utilizing various tools, instruments, disinfectants; and with the ability to do so safely
• General maintenance of habitats, service/support areas and holding units such as: fence/enclosure repair, furniture, mister system, automatic drinkers, shade cloth, fill holes, etc. Complete monthly containment checks on enclosures.
• Research the animal natural history; observe and recognize a variety of courtship behaviors; creates environments that induce breeding where appropriate and recommended design options
• Participates with the daily behavioural husbandry, operant conditioning and enriching experiences of animal collection
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to accurately report daily information written, orally and with computer programs
• Maintain assigned areas and holding units to ensure animal, keeper, and guest safety, and are in good appearance paying attention to detail for guest viewing at all times
• Excellent guests service and communication skills for effective & engaging public speaking; Gives knowledgeable and engaging tour/talks for guests, staff, and donors
• Ability to work with potentially dangerous animals under the Two Key/Two Lock/Two Keeper and Lock Out Tag Out Engineering Control systems

Minimum Qualifications:

• AA, AS or higher degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree and at least one year of exotic animal experience.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience with animal training and public presentations a plus.
• Will substitute training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities. Generally, one year of full-time exotic animal experience will translate to one year of college.
• Valid California driver license.
• Must be insurable on The Living Desert’s automobile policy.

Interested candidates please apply.