What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Lead Animal Keeper, Primate House & Regenstein Macaque Forest position at Lincoln Park Zoological Society?
ASSISTANT LEAD ANIMAL KEEPER, HELEN BRACH PRIMATE HOUSE & REGENSTEIN MACAQUE FOREST
Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at : lpzoo.org
Under general supervision, participates in all aspects of animal care and maintenance of Helen Brach Primate House and Regenstein Macaque Forest. Assists in oversight of daily operation of keeper staff and may assume some of the responsibilities of the Lead Keeper in his / her absence. Responsible for meeting quality and quantity standards for assigned area.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Provides daily care to animals and their enclosures. Including, but not limited to cleaning, feeding, watering, grooming (i.e., domestic animals), observing, animal training and enrichment, record keeping and maintaining exhibits. Tasks may include heavy manual and skilled work such as moving and manipulating heavy food items, hoses, bales of hay, equipment and crated animals.
- Cleans and maintains animal exhibits including use of chemical agents and special tools which are used to ensure the health and safety of the animals as well as the proper presentation to the public
- Advances zoo mission through participation in conservation programs - assists in development and delivery of educational programs, formally through Learning Department, and informally through interaction with zoo guests; conducts tours for guests, staffs and volunteers; may participate in research projects.
- Assists in the organization of work and staff to ensure smooth operations.
- Assists in assignment of work to keeper staff and scheduling of staff to ensure adequate staffing.
- Assists in the development of a consciousness for the need for teamwork to attain department objectives.
- Assists in the direction of personnel in performing operations according to safe, sound operating principles and zoo policies and procedures.
- Applies zoo employee relations’ policies in all dealings with staff.
- Assists in the maintenance of excellence in exhibit display including furnishing, modifying and performing minor repairs and upkeep as appropriate.
- Orients and trains staff assigned to work locations. Prepares and presents training to assigned staff.
- Anticipates and determines causes of delays in daily operations and takes appropriate action to meet deadlines, engaging department managers if necessary.
- Assists in ensuring established policies, rules and regulations, and procedures are followed.
- May be asked to provide input as appropriate in the preparation of performance appraisals.
- Assists in the coordination of animal training to insure consistency in the training process, tracking of progress, and makes suggestions for improvement.
- Prepares and distributes animal diets as determined by senior animal management staff. Humanely euthanizes live feed items.
- Under supervision, administers therapeutics as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Monitors health of animals on a daily basis by observing eating habits, general activity, behavior and appearance, interaction with others, etc. Reports abnormal behavior and problems to area supervisor without delay. Prepares detailed written daily reports for supervisor.
- Makes recommendations regarding diet change, habitat redesign and related matters and takes steps to accomplish same.
- Monitors the condition of habitats, equipment and facilities and initiates work orders requests and emergency repairs as needed.
- Maintains clean and safe work environment.
- Maintains an inventory of equipment and supplies.
- May assist in maintenance of files and records for the department.
- Adheres to established animal handling and related safety guidelines. Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures. Under supervision, captures, restrains, and transports animals.
- May be assigned jobs that require coordination with other zoo departments.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Note : A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills, and ability required may qualify an individual.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
OUR PROMISE
Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, and those with lived experience with racism and / or misogynoir are encouraged to apply. For Wildlife. For All.
LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS
In addition to such standard benefits as medical (Blue Cross Blue Shield), dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include :
Salary $31.83 / hour
Salary : $32
