Head Keeper

Description

(Regular, Exempt)

Starting Salary Range: $57,346.00 - $71,688.00, DOQ          Closing Date: 04/25/2025

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

How to apply: Using the “apply” button on this page, please complete the required online application, upload a resume and a list of three professional references with full contact information. For general questions about the position, contact Unique Hiram at (785) 587-2447 or hr@cityofmhk.com.

Summary/Objective  

Assists the Zoo Curator in the day-to-day management of the animal collection and the animal care staff. This position supervises and directs the Animal Keeper I & II positions, acts as Zoo Administrator on Duty (AOD) on a regular basis, and reports to the Animal Curator in writing and orally, the status of the animals and the physical plant of the zoo. The Head Keeper often interacts with the public by answering questions, occasionally communicates with other zoos, conservation organizations, and federal, state and local government agencies, and assists keepers in daily duties as needed. 

Essential Functions

Assists in zoo operation; directs and provides care for multi-class and multi-genera animals.

•  Provides for the care of large numbers of animals including feeding, cleaning exhibits, and public areas, assists in the mental and physical health of the animals through enrichment, training and welfare programs, and administers medications.
•  Monitors and interprets the day-to-day activities and health status of large numbers of multi-class and multi-genera exotic and domestic animals.
•  Maintains exhibits, service areas and public areas through minor repairs.
•  Maintains communication with AZA conservation organizations such as SSPs, TAGs, studbooks, and any other conservation issues.
•  Aids in the manual restraint of a variety of animals, some of which may be potentially dangerous.
• Possesses in depth knowledge of the established AZA standardized guidelines for Sunset Zoo's collection as well as the willingness to participate in various AZA Conservation Programs - TAG's, PMP's, SSP's, etc. 
• Communicates with the media relations representative and willingness to appear in various media outlets to include TV, social media and newspaper. 
•  Administers and records animal enrichment, training and welfare protocols, as exhibited by modern zoological practices.
•  Keeps the Animal Curator informed of events happening in the animal collection. 
•  Performs registrar duties on ZIMS 
• Carries out all essential functions of the Animal Keeper and commissary positions. 
•  Performs all duties of the Zoo Administrator on Duty.

Supervises and manages the Animal Keeper positions. 

• Hires and trains staff members, as needed. 
• Provides supervision and oversight of applicable staff. 
• Coordinates schedules of applicable staff. 
• Administers City of Manhattan Policies and Procedures in a consistent manner. 
• Ensures employees supervised demonstrate productivity, competence, and high morale, as well as utilize employees’ skills and abilities. 
• Conducts performance planning and evaluations for employees in a timely manner, to include development of goals, objectives, and deadlines. 
• Resolves routine personnel issues or problems. 
• Leads and manage staff with clear and consistent communications.

Performs additional duties as required.  

• Attends meetings and training. 
• Performs on-call duties as needed. 
• Operates high-powered firearms and tranquilizing equipment. 
• Conducts educational sessions in the park for the public. 
• Prepares reports. 
• Ensures compliancy with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures in all duties. 

Requirements

Required Education and Experience  

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Animal Science or related field or high school diploma and 5 years of progressive experience as a professional zookeeper with at least 2-4 years of management experience. 
• Valid driver’s license 
• Experience performing animal capture and restraint. 

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Three (3) years of progressive experience in animal care. 
• CPR certification.  

Salary : $57,346 - $71,688