Bird Department Zookeeper

The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is a nonprofit organization operating the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. Together, our team makes a significant impact, and every role is essential to move our mission forward. Employees are exposed to an atmosphere like no other. Our unmatched scenery will brighten your day as you make a difference for people, animals and the natural world. Are you passionate about customer service and igniting positive change? Join our guest relations team! Applicants will be contacted by a hiring manager with details about the available positions and group interview dates. Position: Bird Department Zookeeper Location: Detroit Zoo 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd. Royal Oak, MI Job Id: 752 # of Openings: 1 Bird Department Zookeeper General Description The Bird Department Zookeeper provides care, feeding, enrichment and training for Birds to ensure their well-being and contributes to outstanding guest experiences by ensuring that Bird exhibits are properly maintained. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Provide daily care, including but not limited to, feeding, enrichment, and operant conditioning training for birds. Perform routine exhibit maintenance including mowing, trimming, and other routine maintenance activities. Observe and document physical condition and behavior of animals. Inspect facilities to ensure safety and security. Capture and restrain animals as needed. Clean animal enclosures and other exhibit areas. Assist with artificial incubation and hand-rearing. Monitor animal social conditions and situations. Monitor feather-clipping schedules and make recommendations to supervisor when clipping is needed. Develop and submit enrichment practices to Behavioral Husbandry Team. Design, construct, and provide enrichment devices to animals. Provide medical treatments as prescribed by the veterinarians. Communicate needs for maintenance department work requests to lead keeper or supervisor. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Maintain records, inventories and other information and provide written and verbal reports as required. Conduct educational presentations in both formal and informal settings. Train new staff as required. Train and supervise interns. Perform other duties as required. Qualifications Education and Experience A bachelor's degree in zoology or a closely related discipline and two years' experience in the care and management of birds. OR: An associate degree in a related discipline and four years experiences in the care of captive wildlife, two of which include the care and management of birds. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to work with animals and to remain calm in strenuous circumstances. Excellent problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to follow instructions. Working Conditions Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions, with frequent exposure to and contact with dangerous animals, with risk of zoonotic disease transmission (Hepatitis B, Herpes B, Tuberculosis, Salmonella and others), and with exposure to computer monitors. Evening work may be required. Physical Requirements The Bird Department Zookeeper must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds. The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all. The Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center are located in the heart of metro Detroit. With no shortage of cultural, arts and community spaces, a thriving dining and entertainment scene and award-winning school districts close by, you are sure to find your home here. Perks and Benefits Working at the DZS has its perks! Not only will you join a passionate team that takes pride in conservation, sustainability, and animal well-being, but you will also enjoy a competitive and robust benefits package. Full-Time 401(k) match plan Medical, prescription, vision and dental insurance* Short and long term disability plan Life insurance programs Flexible spending Employee assistance program Paid time off accrual Referral and retention bonuses Detroit Zoo membership and guest tickets In-park merchandise and food discounts Event and program discounts *eligible after qualifying period Part-Time 401(k) match plan* Medical, prescription, vision and dental insurance* Short and long term disability plan Life insurance Employee assistance program Paid time off accrual Referral and retention bonuses Detroit Zoo membership and guest tickets In-park merchandise and food discounts Event and program discounts *eligible after qualifying preliminary period Seasonal Part-Time 401(k) match plan* Medical, prescription, vision and dental insurance* Employee assistance program Referral and retention bonuses Detroit Zoo membership and guest tickets In-park merchandise and food discounts Event and program discounts *eligible after qualifying preliminary period FAQs Not seeing the information you are looking for? Explore our list of frequently asked questions. The DZS is an equal-opportunity employer, and we are committed to diversity in our workforce. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse screening. #J-18808-Ljbffr Detroit Zoo