Animal Keeper - Penguin Coast/Africa Barn - Maryland Zoo

General Summary: The Animal Keeper will provide care and maintenance of the animals and their associated exhibits and holding areas. The Animal Keeper is responsible for working collaboratively with other keepers and coworkers to achieve departmental and Zoo-wide initiatives. The Animal Keeper will report to their assigned Area Manager and the General Curator.

Essential Functions:

Primary Function:

• Provides basic daily husbandry, food and water for animals in assigned area in accordance with department and area standards

• Observes behavior and physical condition of animals, and reports concerns to area supervisor

• Transfers animals between enclosures in accordance with department and area standards, and follows established safety guidelines

• Provides approved enrichment to animals in compliance with behavior team requirements

• Participates in approved training programs in compliance with behavior team requirements

• Maintains daily electronic records to track animal behavior and well-being over time

• Attends annual welfare assessments and submits regular welfare evaluations

• Participates in data collection for approved behavior and research projects

• Participates in animal medical procedures as directed by the area supervisor

• Participates in animal escape drills and incidents as directed by the recapture coordinator

• Conducts daily inspections of animal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings for structural defects and potential safety issues, and reports concerns to area supervisor

• Performs minor repairs and maintenance of animal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings as needed

• Maintains cleanliness of animal facilities, area buildings, public spaces and back of house areas

• Implements pest control measures as needed, and in accordance with the Zoo’s pest control program

• Complies with all AZA standards and USDA regulations

• Adheres to all policies and procedures of the department and the Zoo

• May train new staff on daily area routines with oversight from higher level keepers or manager.

Communication (Internal and External):

• Completes daily records for tracking animal health, animal behavior, enrichment and training

• Reviews area records and updates in order to stay informed of new developments and changes in assigned area

• Checks Zoo email regularly for updates from department and Zoo management

• Provides area supervisor with timely updates on animal concerns

• Actively participates in team meetings, discussions and debriefings

• Adheres to the Zoo’s communication policy regarding social media posts and confidentiality

• Enhances the guest experience by actively engaging with visitors

• Supports the Zoo’s mission by sharing the organization’s conservation messages with visitors and the general public

Management of Resources (financial, human resources, facilities):

  Proper storage and use of animal food items and animal medications

Proper use and care of Zoo radios and cell phones, and timely reporting of issues

Safe use of Zoo vehicles and timely reporting of issues, including any accidents

Maintenance and safe use of tools and minor equipment, including kitchen knives

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or a related field of study strongly preferred.

Experience/Training:

• At least one year of animal care experience with applicable species preferred

• Zoo experience preferred (paid or unpaid) Understanding of current trends in animal training and behavior management

• Able to collect and collate data for studying animal behavior

• Familiarity with electronic communication and record-keeping

• Must possess a valid driver’s license

Traits Desirable:

Ability to work with a wide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds;

Ability to operate both independently and as part of a team in a productive, respectful, and efficient manner with proper time management skills;

Extremely well organized, self-directed, collaborative, and detail oriented; and,

Possess a positive attitude and a general philosophy/outlook in line with the Zoo’s mission.

Equipment:

Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, radio, and vehicles, hand tools, animal restraint and capture devices, incubators, gardening/carpentry tools and machinery, scales, etc.

Working Conditions:

Must be able to lift 75 pounds with assistance and 50 pounds unassisted as needed;

Must be able to climb a ladder carrying up to 15 pounds;

Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 25 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; Must be able to stand and remain active for an eight-hour shift; must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;

Must be able to travel large areas of the Zoo on foot as needed;

Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;

Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;

Exposure to zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack;

Exposure to potential environmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain, and insect bites/stings; and,

Initial tuberculosis (TB) test and physical required;

Disclaimer:

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified. Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.