Animal Keeper Hospital Commissary

An Animal Keeper possesses a proven working knowledge of animal husbandry, a strong conservation ethic, exceptional interpersonal skills and strong leadership abilities to provide high quality care for assigned areas.

There is an Animal Keeper relief position available in the Hospital/Commissary areas of the zoo. The person who takes this position will need to be skilled in dealing with certain area specific responsibilities that include: dealing with a constant rotation of multiple taxa, preparing enclosures for diverse taxonomic needs, superior computer skills in the creation and documentation of animal health/condition records and commissary programs (Microsoft Access grain and supply ordering system), great attention to detail to unfamiliar and recovering animals, professional conduct in meetings regarding sensitive animal health information, preparing and delivering food supplies to animal areas, keeping the commissary clean and organized including an extensive inventory of items, dealing with multiple vendors and zoo staff demands, dealing with multiple food and supply bid items, maintaining commissary purchasing records and documents, keeping multiple departments of the Zoo and Metroparks informed of purchasing issues, commissary ordering and inventory management, keeping current and functional on all jobs within the area, cooperating with and taking work direction from supervisory and non-supervisory staff, maintaining or initiating training regiments of quarantine or hospitalized animals, and other functions as assigned by supervisors. Selection will be based on the factors of skill, knowledge and the ability to perform the required tasks of the position. Seniority will prevail if considered factors are relatively equal. The Animal Keeper job duties will include: Commissary and Hospital areas.

I. Husbandry

• Provides food, water, medications, and supplements as indicated by schedules, prescriptions, or diet boards. To include loading and unloading animal feeds, hay, bedding, and animal care supplies.
• Completes and reviews daily activity reports, diet consumption reports, behavior and/or training records, enrichment records, or any other written documentation on assigned animals.
• Cleans, maintains, and disinfects animal enclosures and service areas.
• Observes individual animals daily and reports animal behavior, appearance, fecal conditions, and unique characteristics.
• Performs proper restraint techniques for crating, transferring, or veterinary procedures.
• Monitors, reports, and performs pest control in assigned areas.
• Prepares and continually enhances animal areas for aesthetic, reproductive, behavior, and animal safety (i.e. perching material, nest boxes, “furniture”, live or artificial plants, etc).
• Samples and records water analysis.
• Provides continual environmental enrichment by approved methods.
• Trains assigned animals for husbandry and enrichment.
• Responds to hazardous or potentially unsafe situations by taking corrective action and promptly notifying supervisory staff.

II. Conservation and Science

• Participates in ex situ and/or in situ conservation initiatives (i.e., public education, marketing, AAZK activities, etc.)
• Supports, accommodates, and/or participates in on-ground research initiatives (i.e., systematic record-keeping, behavior observations, sample collections, etc.)
• Possesses knowledge of research and conservation initiatives in nature and in zoos. This may include Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's involvement, AZA's, or any organization within his or her area of interest or expertise.

III. Interpersonal Skills

• Communicates regularly with peers and managers concerning matters of animal care, safety, and work schedules.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers (i.e. keepers, education, maintenance, marketing, volunteers) and the public.
• Understands and follows verbal and written instructions.
• Demonstrates initiative, dependability, teamwork, resourcefulness, good judgment, a positive attitude, and common sense.
• Voices concerns constructively.
• Participates in assigned task forces.

Other Functions:

• Works assigned shifts any day of the week with varying days off.
• Performs related duties as apparent or assigned.
• Reports maintenance issues through the use of work orders.
• Attends scheduled meetings.
• Operates a motor vehicle and other mechanical tools and equipment (i.e. hand tools, computers, incubators, etc...).
• Assist in the training of seasonal employees.
• Supports the mission statement of the zoo and established animal care programs.
• Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, animals, co-workers, and public.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree in animal sciences or related field preferred.
• Two years full time experience with captive exotic animals, six months if possess a Bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrated education, training and experience supporting the Essential Functions (listed above).
• Ability to work in hot or cold weather, dusty, wet, and odorous conditions. Must be able to maneuver 75 pounds.
• Possess a valid Ohio Driver's License.

Work Days: Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon (4 - 10 hour days)

Current Days Off: Tues, Wed, Thurs

Filing Deadline: Open until filled