Senior Environmental Quality Keeper

Job Description

Job Description

The Senior Environmental Quality Keeper is responsible for monitoring and maintaining optimal environmental conditions for both terrestrial and aquatic habitats to ensure the health and well-being of the facility’s animal collection. This role involves managing environmental parameters such as water quality, air quality, temperature, humidity, and substrate conditions. The Senior Keeper will report to the Marine and Wildlife Curators and assist in the oversight of a team of Animal Keepers, ensuring that high standards of environmental care are maintained across exhibits, and work closely with veterinarians, curators, and animal care staff to create and implement best practices for habitat management. 

Key Responsibilities:

Monitor and Maintain Environmental Parameters:  

• Oversee daily monitoring of water quality (pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels, etc…) for aquatic habitats.
• Ensure proper temperature, humidity, substrate quality, and air quality for terrestrial enclosures.
• Implement and audit teamwork for adherence to company protocols to maintain ideal conditions for diverse species based on their specific environmental needs.
• Troubleshoot environmental imbalances and work with relevant Lead Keepers, Technicians, and Managers to correct any deviations.

Leadership & Supervision:

• Assist the curators in leading a team of Animal Keepers, ensuring they perform routine checks, maintain habitat cleanliness, and follow safety protocols.
• Provide training and mentorship on environmental monitoring techniques and best practices.
• Oversee habitat maintenance schedules, ensuring all areas are in compliance with regulatory and animal welfare standards in addition to company SOPs.

Collaboration & Reporting:

• Collaborate with Co-Senior Keepers, veterinary teams, curators, and national husbandry team to ensure habitats support the health and breeding requirements of animal populations.
• Coordinate with the facilities department and the Senior LSS Technician to maintain HVAC, filtration, and other life support systems.
• Prepare and present reports on habitat conditions and any relevant environmental quality data to upper management.
• Assist in developing long-term plans for habitat upgrades, renovations, or new exhibit designs to optimize environmental conditions.

Animal Welfare & Conservation:

• Ensure that environmental conditions meet the highest standards for animal welfare and adhere to facility’s SOPs.
• Monitor the impact of environmental changes on animal behavior, health, and reproduction, and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Ensuring deep cleans of marine and terrestrial exhibits are being completed each week.

Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure all practices meet federal, state, and local regulations regarding environmental quality and animal welfare (e.g., USDA, Fish and Wildlife, DNR).
• Maintain accurate records of environmental parameters and habitat conditions to ensure compliance with industry standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in animal care, with at least 2 years focused on habitat management for both terrestrial and aquatic species.
• Proven expertise in water quality management, including knowledge of filtration systems, chemical analysis, and aquatic life support systems.
• Strong understanding of the environmental needs of diverse animal species, including climate, habitat, and behavior.
• Leadership experience, including team management, training, and scheduling.
• Familiarity with regulations and standards from organizations like the AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums).
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Skills:

• Certification in water quality testing or relevant environmental monitoring certifications.
• Experience with habitat design and life support system operation.
• Knowledge of conservation biology and sustainable practices in zoo settings.

Working Conditions:

• Physical demands include standing, walking, lifting, and handling equipment and materials.
• Occasional weekend, holiday, or after-hours work may be required to respond to emergencies or special events.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed.