Zoo Keeper (Asian Domain)

Responsibilities Perform routine husbandry - feed prescribed diets, monitor and report diet consumption, observe and report any health or behavioral abnormalities of all assigned animal specimens to immediate supervisor daily. Assist hospital staff with health monitoring and assessment. Clean, sanitize, and prepare animal housing areas as directed. Follow all Standard Operating Procedures for assigned areas. Continuous learning. Develop professional skills and knowledge in areas such as animal care, enrichment, conservation, genetics, safety, training, animal introduction, and reproduction. Participate in welfare assessments. Work with Curators, Assistant Curators and other keepers to seek ways to improve the wellbeing of animals in your care. Develop basic knowledge and experience with modern husbandry techniques, professional best practices, and accreditation standards set forth by AZA and USDA. Develop strong communication skills, including active listening, giving and receiving feedback and thoughtful dialogue. Perform approved Behavioral Enrichment activities and create new enrichment based on the needs of the animal(s). Develop and utilize operant conditioning techniques to increase the quality of life of the collection. Promote and nurture a positive work environment and team morale. Identify and report minor or routine maintenance problems in a timely manner. Perform facility and exhibit maintenance, including but not limited to trash and debris removal, mowing, weed eating, pressure washing, floor cleaning, painting, minor section repairs, etc. Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, including proper uniform standards. Perform Keeper Chats, VIP/BTS Tours, and Wild Encounters as required. Perform all other duties as assigned by Curators, Assistant Curator, or designated section leadership. Additional & Overall Skills Maintain a positive attitude and strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment. Thrive in a team environment, using organizational and technical skills to ensure smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience. Celebrate team successes and bring enthusiasm to work. Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow. Qualifications Must Have Minimum high school diploma. Willing to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Strong work ethic. Nice to Have Preferred college degree in biology or related science or equivalent practical experience. Previous paid experience in the care of exotic wildlife. Knowledge of modern husbandry practices, animal welfare standards, behavioral enrichment, training, specific knowledge of relevant taxa. Knowledge of operant conditioning. Previous experience operating a skid steer, truck, forklift, backhoe, etc. Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills. Experience with hand tools, power tools, lawn equipment, pressure washers, and chainsaws. Experience with capture and restraint of exotic wildlife. Physical Requirements Continuous standing, walking, lifting, bending, and twisting. Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects weighing over 50 pounds, often repeatedly. Regularly climbing ladders and operating heavy machinery. Sustained manual dexterity and coordination. Physical stamina for long shifts involving repetitive or strenuous tasks. Primarily outdoor environments and all types of weather conditions. Frequent exposure to heat, cold, dust, fumes, or loud noises. Exposure to potential hazards such as heavy machinery, moving vehicles, or electrical equipment. Periodic exposure to zoonotic diseases. Working closely with dangerous and potentially dangerous animals. #J-18808-Ljbffr Audubon Institute