Senior Animal Caretaker - Carnivores

The Senior Animal Caretaker-Carnivores position is responsible for maintaining the wellbeing of the Zoo’s assigned animal collection and its environment through daily husbandry, operant conditioning training and enrichment. Carnivore team members enhance guest experiences through daily interactions and frequent behind-the-scenes tours. Under the direct supervision of the Curator of Carnivores, this position performs a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff and the public. The ideal candidate will have experience in the assigned taxa which may include native Oklahoma species, small and large felids, canids and bears with an advanced understanding and execution of operant conditioning principles to train progressive animal behaviors. In addition, the qualified candidate will be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff at all levels, possess excellent communication and organizational skills and function effectively in a fast-paced, team environment.

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Starting Pay: $19.27-$24.09 Hourly

Experience Required: Two (2) years of paid experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility with relevant taxa OR, an equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties. Experience with operant conditioning preferred.

Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (preference for animal science related field).

Department: Animal Management.

Direct Supervisor: Curator of Carnivores and/or Assistant Curator of Carnivores.

Supervisory Responsibility: Direct (0); Indirect (0)

Primary Work Location: Zoo Setting both indoors and outdoors.

Certification: Valid Oklahoma driver’s license within thirty (30) days of hire and pass driver’s history check. Completion of OKC Zoo Learning Management System (LMS) in the first six (6) months of employment.

Other: This position is safety sensitive. It is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing. This position works around animals susceptible to specific respiratory diseases, thus is subject to annual tuberculosis testing.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:

• Demonstrate technical skills to perform daily advanced animal husbandry and medical care for relevant taxa.
• Recognize, interpret, and respond to animal behavior and health condition for relevant taxa.
• Keep detailed digital and written records of animal weight, health, enrichment, training and behavior.
• Independently maintain and renovate exhibits, service areas, and equipment; including use of power tools and lawn equipment.
• Conceptualize and implement daily purposeful enrichment and documentation to promote, encourage, and evaluate goal-based behavioral outcomes.
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding and execution of operant conditioning principles to train progressive animal behaviors including during public presentations. Participates in all required animal training programs.
• Educate and interact with guests in both formal and informal settings; provide positive guest experiences.
• Collaborate with other Zoo departments.
• Participate and respond to safety-related issues and drills.
• Research natural behaviors and life histories of the animals in the area; research both current species and new species, as assigned.
• Work effectively in a team environment. Actively participate in group discussions and collaborative decision making.
• Initiate, plan and organize work projects for the areas assigned; acquire supplies and materials.
• Support OKC Zoo’s strategic management plans and institutional goals.
• Drive motor vehicles within and outside the Zoo perimeter in support of operations all seasons of the year, including animal transports.
• Work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays and during emergency situations such as dictated by weather.
• Work in a manner that supports and protects the health of the assigned collection, including wearing assigned PPE and limiting exposure to known contagions.