What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Keeper 1 - Position Starts March, 2025 position at Maryland Zoo?
Maryland Zoo is an EEO employer - M / F / Vets / Disabled
General Summary : The Animal Keeper will providecare and maintenance of the animals and their associated exhibits and holdingareas. The Animal Keeper is responsiblefor working collaboratively with other keepers and coworkers to achievedepartmental and Zoo-wide initiatives. The Animal Keeper will report to their assigned Area Manager and theGeneral Curator.
Essential Functions :
Primary Function :
Provides basic dailyhusbandry, food and water for animals in assigned area in accordance withdepartment and area standards
Observes behavior andphysical condition of animals, and reports concerns to area supervisor
Transfers animals betweenenclosures in accordance with department and area standards, and followsestablished safety guidelines
Provides approved enrichmentto animals in compliance with behavior team requirements
Participates in approvedtraining programs in compliance with behavior team requirements
Maintains daily electronicrecords to track animal behavior and well-being over time
Attends annual welfareassessments and submits regular welfare evaluations
Participates in datacollection for approved behavior and research projects
Participates in animalmedical procedures as directed by the area supervisor
Participates in animal escapedrills and incidents as directed by the recapture coordinator
Conducts daily inspections ofanimal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings for structural defectsand potential safety issues, and reports concerns to area supervisor
Performs minor repairs andmaintenance of animal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings as needed
Maintains cleanliness ofanimal facilities, area buildings, public spaces and back of house areas
Implements pest controlmeasures as needed, and in accordance with the Zoo's pest control program
Complies with all AZAstandards and USDA regulations
Adheres to all policies andprocedures of the department and the Zoo
May train new staff on dailyarea routines with oversight from higher level keepers or manager.
Communication (Internal and External) :
Completes daily records fortracking animal health, animal behavior, enrichment and training
Reviews area records andupdates in order to stay informed of new developments and changes in assignedarea
Checks Zoo email regularlyfor updates from department and Zoo management
Provides area supervisor withtimely updates on animal concerns
Actively participates in teammeetings, discussions and debriefings
Adheres to the Zoo'scommunication policy regarding social media posts and confidentiality
Enhances the guest experienceby actively engaging with visitors
Supports the Zoo's mission bysharing the organization's conservation messages with visitors and the generalpublic
Management of Resources (financial, human resources,facilities) :
Proper storage and use ofanimal food items and animal medications
Proper use and care of Zoo radiosand cell phones, and timely reporting of issues
Safe use of Zoo vehicles andtimely reporting of issues, including any accidents
Maintenance and safe use oftools and minor equipment, including kitchen knives
Minimum Qualifications :
Education :
Bachelor'sdegree in zoology, biology, or a related field of study strongly preferred.
Experience / Training :
At least one year of animalcare experience with applicable species preferred
Zoo experience preferred(paid or unpaid)
Understanding of currenttrends in animal training and behavior management
Able to collect and collatedata for studying animal behavior
Familiarity with electroniccommunication and record-keeping
Must possess a valid driver'slicense
Traits Desirable :
Abilityto work with a wide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economicbackgrounds;
Abilityto operate both independently and as part of a team in a productive,respectful, and efficient manner with proper time management skills;
Extremelywell organized, self-directed, collaborative, and detail oriented; and,
Possessa positive attitude and a general philosophy / outlook in line with the Zoo'smission.
Equipment :
Mustbe able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer,telephone, radio, and vehicles, hand tools, animal restraint and capturedevices, incubators, gardening / carpentry tools and machinery, scales, etc.
Working Conditions :
Mustbe able to lift 75 pounds with assistance and 50 pounds unassisted as needed;
Mustbe able to climb a ladder carrying up to 15 pounds;
Mustbe able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 25 pounds frequentlyand / or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry,push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Physicaldemands are in excess of those for sedentary work; Must be able to stand andremain active for an eight-hour shift; must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch,crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
Mustbe able to travel large areas of the Zoo on foot as needed;
Ability to work a flexibleschedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
Must be able to work in anoutdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, includingheat / humidity, cold temperatures, and / or wet conditions;
Exposureto zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack;
Exposureto potential environmental hazards such as poison oak / ivy, uneven terrain, andinsect bites / stings; and,
Initialtuberculosis (TB) test and physical required;
Disclaimer :
Thestatements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of workbeing performed by employees assigned to this classification. They arenot intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, dutiesand / or skills required of all personnel so classified. Therefore,management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other ordifferent tasks be performed when circumstances change.
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