Animal Keeper - Animal Husbandry Technician

JOB DESCRIPTION

Lucky Ladd Farms, an award winning agritourism destination, is adding a key animal care member to our hardworking and awesome animal husbandry team. This position requires a dedicated and responsible individual capable of providing the daily care of the animals at our facility. This individual will be primarily responsible for the feeding and habitat care of our animals, maintaining the cleanliness of enclosures, and ensuring optimal environmental conditions for a varied species including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. The candidate will work closely with the Zoo Manager and be an integral part of our growth.

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM:

• Competitive salary based on experience: $36,000 - $38,000.
• Free meal when you work a 6 hour shift.
• Unlimited admission for you and 5 guests.
• Discounts on dining and merchandise.
• Team member appreciation events.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Uniform and name badge provided.

YOUR ROLE ON OUR TEAM:

As an Animal Keeper at Lucky Ladd Farms, you will play a crucial role in ensuring all husbandry needs for our diverse group of animal species are met, providing daily meals and monitoring nutritional health, while maintaining clean and safe enclosures and habitats, and adhering to the highest standards of animal care and safety. Here is a detailed representation of daily responsibilities:

Habitat and Enclosure Care

Daily Cleaning and Sanitation:

• Conduct daily cleaning routines for all animal enclosures, ensuring removal of waste, uneaten food, and other debris.
• Sanitize enclosures using appropriate cleaning agents and methods to prevent disease and maintain a healthy environment.
• Regularly check and clean feeding and watering equipment to maintain hygiene standards.

Environmental Control:

• Monitor and adjust the environmental conditions within the enclosures, such as temperature, humidity, and lighting, to meet the specific needs of various species.
• Implement seasonal changes in habitat conditions to mimic natural environments, supporting animal health and behavioral well-being.

Facility Maintenance:

• Conduct regular inspections of enclosures to identify wear and tear or potential hazards, performing minor repairs or reporting issues as necessary.
• Ensure that enclosures are secure and safe, including locks, barriers, and containment systems.

Pest Control:

• Implement pest control measures to prevent infestations in animal habitats and storage areas.

Feeding and Nutritional Care

Daily Meal Preparation and Feeding:

• Prepare and distribute daily meals for a variety of animals, ensuring each species’ dietary requirements are met.
• Ensure fresh water is always available and change water frequently to maintain cleanliness.

Nutritional Monitoring and Adjustment:

• Monitor and document each animal’s eating habits, noting any changes in appetite or behavior.
• Adjust diets as needed based on veterinary recommendations, seasonal changes, or specific health conditions.

Dietary Enrichment:

• Implement dietary enrichment activities to encourage natural feeding behaviors and provide mental and physical stimulation. This includes rotating and varying food items and delivery methods.

Food Storage and Handling:

• Store food items properly to ensure freshness and prevent contamination; this includes managing refrigeration and dry storage conditions.
• Maintain an organized and sanitary food preparation area, including regular cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, utensils, food bowls, and storage containers.

Inventory Management:

• Keep accurate records of food inventory, ensuring that there is a continuous and adequate supply of all required food items. Work with Manager to place orders for food supplies and nutritional supplements promptly.
• Track expiration dates to use a first-in, first-out system to minimize waste.

Feeding Protocols:

• Follow established feeding protocols for each species, including special diets.
• Label and date all food items, particularly specialized diets, to ensure precise and safe feeding practices.
• Work with Zoo Manager to develop new feeding protocols.

Additional Responsibilities

Animal Welfare:

• Observe and report on animal behavior and health to ensure well-being.

Safety Protocols:

• Adhere to all safety protocols while working within or around enclosures, including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Participate in training sessions on handling dangerous or delicate species to ensure proper personal and animal safety.

Research and Development:

• Assist the Zoo Manager in researching care requirements for new and existing species.
• Keep updated with the latest in animal care standards and practices.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES HAVE:

• High school diploma or equivalent; college degree in biology, animal science, agriculture or related field preferred.
• Prior experience in animal care in a zoo or similar setting preferred.
• Knowledge of animal nutrition, health, and behavior preferred.
• Familiarity with proper environmental conditions for different species preferred.
• Excellent observational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Passion for animal welfare and a commitment to maintaining high standards of care.
• Willingness to perform physically demanding tasks, including cleaning and meal preparation daily.
• Be eager to learn and grow within the role.
• Personal attitude and characteristics that contribute to a positive work environment by being a team leader through example such as lending a hand even if it’s not your job, initiative to see what needs to be done and doing it without being asked, find serving others fulfilling, enthusiastic and ready to work.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Must be able to work on your feet for extended periods of time and can bend, stoop, extend oneself etc., that is required to perform assigned tasks.
• Ability to maintain discretion with confidential information.

RECURRING SCHEDULE:

• Monday: OFF
• Tuesday: OFF
• Wednesday: 8 am - 5 pm
• Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
• Friday: 8 am - 5 pm
• Saturday: 8 am - 5 pm
• Sunday: 8 am - 5 pm

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35,000.00 - $38,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Referral program

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Application Question(s):

• Provide at least three (3) detailed examples about your experience working with animals. Include in each example the type of animal you were caring for along with husbandry practices, enrichment activities, and other level of care provided to the animal.

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35,000 - $38,000