Looking for an Animal Keeper 156 views

Kansas City Zoo is looking for an Animal Keeper – Savannah Team

Job Type: Full Time

Location: Kansas, USA

Reports to: Animal Care Manager

Salary:

Description:

The Animal Keeper is responsible for performing routine work assignments, involving the daily care and welfare of animals within their area. This position also performs daily maintenance of exhibit and holding areas, as well as interacts with the public to provide information related to the Zoos animal collection.

This position will work with the Savannah team, primarily assisting with the daily husbandry of Plains animals, which include zebra, scimitar-horned oryx, lesser kudu, common eland, South African springbok, addax, Masai giraffe, ostrich and a variety of other bird species, as well as black rhinoceros.

The Savannah team is also responsible for the daily husbandry of African lions, bat-eared fox, black-footed cat, slender-tailed meerkat, caracal, sand cats, rock hyrax and fennec fox. This position may have some exposure to these animals, but these areas and routines will not be part of the daily duties.

Duties:

• Performs daily animal husbandry activities, including:
• Preparing diets and delivering daily feedings.
• Giving medications and assisting with various animal health procedures.
• Observing, logging, and reporting issues concerning animal behaviour, health, and welfare.
• Training animals for basic husbandry and enrichment behaviours.
• Creating and implementing various enrichment items/strategies.
• Completes daily maintenance of exhibits and holding areas, including:
• Cleaning exhibits, holding stalls and keeper areas.
• Performing minor repairs and improvements.
• Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate manager.
• Maintains daily reports and other required records.
• Interacts with Zoo guests and the public, including:
• Performing various keeper chats, animal shows, tours and special events related to assigned area.
• Engaging with daily visitors to answer questions about the Zoo and animals.
• Assists with the training of new keepers, interns, and volunteers.

Note: This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field preferred.
• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate accepted with prior experience in similar position.

Experience:

• At least 1-year related Zoo or animal husbandry experience required.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, behaviour and procedures for proper care and training of exotic animals.
• Strong observation skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets and behaviour.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, preferred.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including procedures for care and maintenance of animals, exhibit, service and holding areas.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Requirements:

• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to tolerate stress, endure high risk situations when feeding, transferring, or restraining animals, and make immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, staff, or the public.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
• Must pass a background and drug screening.

Interested candidates please apply.