Lead Zookeeper

SUMMARY: Lead Keepers are responsible for performing a variety of duties related to the care and welfare of the animals in their assigned routines. This includes cleaning exhibits and holding spaces, preparing and feeding diets, providing and evaluating enrichment, directly observing animals, and maintaining records. Additionally, this position will assist the Assistant Curator and Curator with oversight of the area which can included by is not limited to, creating and maintaining SOPs, participating in enrichment / training teams, and keeper scheduling. These positions require a work schedule of 7am-3:30pm or 10:30am – 7pm in the busy season and 7:30am-4:30pm in the quiet season. This position must be able to regularly work weekends and holidays, as well as overtime when needed. 

WHO WE ARE  

Zoo New England's mission is to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by creating fun and engaging experiences that integrate wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education. Zoo New England manages and operates both Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Massachusetts, and attracts over 1 million guests. We are in an exciting growth phase, with many new projects, exhibits and events. You’ll be part of the Animal Care Team –the largest department in the zoo, responsible for the well-being of thousands of animals, of hundreds of species - many of which are endangered in the wild. 

 WHO YOU ARE   

• Attention to detail: Provide exceptional care by ensuring all of the animals’ needs are met and observing closely for signs of illness or injury. 

• Friendly and Welcoming: Provide great customer service to internal and external guests, answering questions, performing public talks and participating in behind-the-scenes tours in a courteous and positive way.   

• Excellent communicator: Communicate clearly and thoroughly to supervisors and coworkers. Maintain thorough records. 

• Excellent time management: Be punctual and manage your time to stay within schedule, completing tasks and duties in a timely manner. Work independently after being trained.   

• Reliable and Thorough: Maintain your assigned area to a high standard, exceeding USDA and AZA standards. Provide enrichment according to the area guidelines and best practices.  

 YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Works safely around animals of a variety of taxa, research, write and follow standard operation procedures, oversee that institutional and departmental policies are being followed and in compliance with USDA and AZA guidelines. 

• Set and ensure standards are being followed. Oversee the work of senior keepers and zookeepers in the area. 

• Provide fresh food and water daily to animals in a species-specific manner and monitor consumption. Clean and maintain exhibits, holding and public spaces and keeper work areas to a high standard and oversee that in the entire area. Provide supplements, medication and goal-based enrichment as required. 

• Observe and report signs of health and individual/species behavior and record on ZIMS once trained. Helps maintain charts, census forms, calendars, reports, logs as needed. 

• Mentor the keeper staff and oversee animals and operations in the area, working closely with the curatorial and animal management team to assure best care for the animal collection and standards in the workplace.  

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology or related field preferred or 5 years working as an animal care professional as determined by the hiring authority.  

• Minimum of four years zookeeping experience in addition to education / equivalent experience; six years is preferred with increasing of a senior role responsibility. 

• In the absence of Assistant Curator, maybe be asked to be POC for the day. 

• Eligible to acquire a Massachusetts gun license by the end of the 6-month introductory period. Maybe be required to handle and use firearms as a member of the Dangerous Animal Recovery Team (DART). 

• TB tested negative within the last 12 months before starting and fully vaccinated for COVID-19. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, knowledge or ability to use Microsoft Office products and use of 2-way radios.     

• Must be physically able to work on their feet for long periods and lift over 50lbs.  

• Must have the ability to work for extended periods in harsh climatic conditions. 

BENEFITS   

• Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and eligible dependents.  

• 9 paid holidays and 6 personal holidays. 

• Accrue 10 vacation days and 12 days of sick leave your first year.    

• Free staff parking. 

Zoo New England is an Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Salary : $23