Africa/ Primates Keeper

Mission: The mission of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is to create compelling experiences that connect people and community with wildlife; and inspire personal responsibility for conservation of the natural world.

Job Title: Africa/ Primates Keeper

Position: Keepers report to the Lead of the department and the Animal Care Manager while working with other members of the team to complete daily care of the animals in their rotation. This position works primarily in the African Hoof stock/ Primates division of the Animal Care department. This team works with a variety of species including: giraffe, ostrich, watusi, dromedary camels, African-crested porcupines, lemurs, marmosets, tamarins, titis, capuchins, baboons and assorted African birds. This position requires cross training for other keeping departments, and other areas of the zoo as needed. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience with operant conditioning training and can demonstrate creativity with enrichment projects. The job entails animal care, health, welfare, and enrichment, maintaining the exhibits, interacting with guests, accurate and detailed record keeping, and working to provide a quality visitor experience.

Key Responsibilities of the Keeper:

Keepers perform regular zookeeping duties and other tasks, including:

• Monitoring health and behavior of all collection animals
• Preparing feed and specific diets for collection animals
• Cleaning and disinfecting animal enclosures
• Basic landscaping in and around exhibits
• Inspecting exhibits daily for safety conditions and addressing problems promptly
• Under the supervision of veterinary staff, administering medications as needed
• Implementing enrichment activities and behavioral training of animals to improve animal management
• Promoting visitor education and experience
• Keeping detailed records of animal behavior, feeding, health, etc., through ZIMS Species360.
• Participating in emergency drills and assisting in the capture or restraint of animals (physical or chemical) in the case of emergency
• Maintaining exhibits to USDA, ZAA and facility standards
• Adhering to all safety protocols set forth by Management and Veterinary staff
• Joining and regularly participating in at least one zoo committee
• Other duties as needed, including non-animal related tasks and cooperation with departments outside of animal care (maintenance, retail, amusements, etc.)

Experience:

• Preference will be given to applicants that have 1 year(s) paid working experience in animal care at an accredited zoological institution.
• Must be comfortable with public speaking and professional writing.

Education:

• High school diploma
• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university is required; preferably in zoology, biology, animal science or related field. (In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, years of experience in an accredited facility may apply.)

Licensure/Certification:

• Negative TB test required
• Must maintain a valid Driver’s License

Software Requirements:

• Proven competency in the application of Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel computer programs is required.
• Must be able to utilize ZIMS software system.

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:

• Must have the ability to use mobile devices, computer, fax, scanner, phone and copy machine.
• Basic carpentry, plumbing and horticultural skills are considered an asset.
• Ability to work with basic hand tools required.
• Ability and willingness to operator power tools, lawn equipment, etc.
• Must be able and willing to do routine facility maintenance work.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically demanding work several hours a day.
• Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and per OSHA regulations: Heavy work involving lifting no more than 75 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or varying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.
• Visual acuity is required to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal behavior.
• Ability to receive and convey detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone/radio), at normal speaking levels with or without correction is necessary to safely carry out this position.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

• Long hours are sometimes required including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to do physical labor, often in tropical heat or other inclement weather is required.
• Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.
• Ensure that off-exhibit areas are maintained in a clean, organized, and safe fashion.
• Candidate must be able to work effectively with minimal supervision and approach all encounters with employees and guests in a friendly, service-oriented manner.
• Willingness to work irregular hours and be available based on special needs/circumstances on a 24-hour basis.
• Ability to compose animal and exhibit information for publication in the following: Zoo’s website, publications, signs for the Zoo, etc.
• Exposure to disinfectants and other chemicals, zoonotic diseases, animal bites and other animal-related injuries may occur in the normal course of duty.
• Candidate must assist with pest control for their section.

Personal Attributes: Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate well with a wide variety of people. High attention to detail. Commitment to continually making the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo a better place for its animals, its staff, and its guests.

Hours: This is a 40 hour per week position. Working hours for this position are currently 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM, and are not flexible. Hours may vary seasonally. All animal care staff are required to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays, as well as occasional after-hours events or animal care.

“We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.”

Benefits:

Following a 60-day probationary period, health insurance is available, and vacation/PTO accumulates at a regular rate.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.29 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15