ANIMAL KEEPER 1

POSITION SUMMARY:The Animal Keeper performs all job assignments with a professional and positive attitude that reflects Jungle Island’s mission and vision of connecting people, wildlife, and conservation. The Animal Keeper, under general supervision, performs a wide variety of functions in the training, handling, and care of exhibit animals. An Animal Keeper must have the ability to understand and execute plans as directed by the supervisor. This position will perform general husbandry and animal care tasks, such as cleaning, feeding, handling animals for procedures, record keeping, exhibit maintenance, and training as well as a wide variety of moderately difficult tasks in relation to operating an accredited zoological facility. The Animal Keeper should be prepared to work in a fast-paced, sometimes challenging environment. Animal Keepers should also be prepared to work in all types of weather, on weekends and holidays. This position will also be expected to participate and perform in Jungle Island’s “Guardians of the Jungle” stage presentation and other shows as necessary. The Animal Keeper will interact regularly with animals as well as park guests to provide world-class experiences that are signature to Jungle Island. This position reports to the Supervisor of Animal Care.ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:Daily cleaning of exhibits and facilitiesAnimal food prep and storageFeed and provide any necessary husbandry for collection animalsParticipate in “Guardians of the Jungle” and other stage presentationsWork with supervisors to develop and maintain an enrichment plan for collection animalsComfortably work with reptiles, large birds, and mammalsTrain and maintain animal behaviors as directed by the Supervisor and Animal Care CuratorSafely transport animals as necessaryHandle animals in the park near guests, on stage, on camera as well as at off-site, public appearancesProvide a high degree of customer service while displaying an outgoing personalityEnsure safety of the public, staff, and animalsAdminister prescribed medication and nutritional supplements as directed by the Supervisor of Animal Care or Curator in accordance with the Veterinarians’ instructionsAssist medical staff as necessary in treatment of animalsMaintain feeding, medical, and other records regarding animal care dailyConduct special tours, VIP meet and greets, and perform/handle animals in Jungle Island showsPerform public relations visits at media and other outlets as necessaryMaintain area equipment to assure all is in working orderUse power tools for exhibit maintenanceMust be willing to work nights, weekends and holidays as requiredLICENSE/QUALIFICATIONS:A college degree in any of the biological sciences or psychology is preferred.Two years’ experience as Keeper 1 or equivalentCandidates may substitute the equivalent in experience working with exotic animals and utilizing operant conditioning techniques to train a variety of exotic animals.Knowledge of training animals, animal handling and husbandry is required.Experience in behavior modification using operant conditioning via positive reinforcement is a bonus.A college degree in any of the biological sciences or psychology is preferred. Applicants may substitute the equivalent in experience working with exotic animals where applicable. Knowledge of animal handling and husbandry practices is required. It is necessary that an applicant’s combined education and experience clearly demonstrate the knowledge and skills outlined. The ability to produce a valid Florida driver license may be required.SKILLS/APTITUDES:Familiar with natural histories of a wide range of speciesGreat interpersonal/customer service skillsAbility to maintain a professional appearance and conduct themselves positively and professionally in all aspects of the jobExperience in the care, feeding, and safe handling of a variety of exotic animalsAble to perform in Jungle Island animal shows and eventsFollows directionsKeep electronic health and behavioral records as requiredAble to communicate and work effectively with othersAbility to work promptly and efficientlyProvide world-class guest experiencesMonitor animal behavior and appearance and communicate any abnormalities effectivelyOperate motorized equipment and vehiclesBe an ambassador for Jungle Island inside and outside of the parkCapable of lifting 50lbs standing, bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching; can work on uneven terrain and move around on slippery surfacesCan handle frequent exposure to predictable and controllable hazards associated with close contact with a wide variety of animals (including large animals, birds, and reptiles); dust, and allergens; handle hazardous materials; work in cramped or confined spacesMust be able to work outside, in water, and in all weather conditionMust be available to work nights, weekends, and holidaysNote:A review of this description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties, all duties and requirements are essential job functions.This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. associates will be required to perform any other job related duties assigned by their supervisor.This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise other than an “at will” employment relationship. #J-18808-Ljbffr Jungle Island