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Animal Keeper - Jungle Trails Team
Cincinnati, OH
Job Description
Description: This is a full-time (40 hours per week with benefits) Union keeper position, which is subject to the successful completion of a probationary (or trial period) and the deduction of union dues. Regular off-days will be determined upon hire but will fall between Monday thru Friday. The area schedule consists of 5 8-hour days.
Summary: This position encompasses skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures, and related facilities in the Primate Department. Animals within the area include species of prosimians, monkeys, and apes. Duties may include related tasks and/or unrelated duties as assigned.
Position Benefits:
- Union negotiated pay rates, with a starting range between 21.15-25.06 per hour, determined by years of field experience.
- We offer a highly competitive benefits package supporting our employees' Total Well-Being, including comprehensive & affordable medical, dental & vision coverage (starting the first day of the month following date of hire); free mental health counseling and coaching, 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off (200 PTO hours accrued throughout the first year of service, 80 of which are loaded into the PTO bank upon hire); company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes.
- Facility culture that highlights the following core values:
- Collaborative Relationships
- Pride, Passion, and a Sense of Ownership
- Positivity and Energy
- Accountability, Mutual Trust, and Respect
- Progressive Thinking
- Intentional professional development opportunities, for both animal care and "people" skills
Qualifications:
- Demonstration of excellent communication and problem-solving skills, while applying good judgment, to deliver animal care and guest experiences that meet the highest standards
- Demonstration of knowledge and successful experience in animal husbandry, operant conditioning, and understanding of modern zoological practices
- The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers (including staff, interns, students and volunteers)
- A degree in the biological sciences or related field
- 3 years of primate husbandry experience in an AZA institution preferred, with preference for:
- Experience with chimpanzees and/or bonobos, with fission/fusion social management
- Experience with new-world primates and/or mixed species habitat management
- Operant conditioning experience with blood draw, cardiac ultrasound, and blood pressure behaviors for great apes is preferred
- Experience with outdoor habitat maintenance is preferred
***Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered***
Duties:
- Clean animal displays, holding areas, service areas, public sections and grounds
- Complete inspection of all enclosures to ensure the safety of the animals
- Identify maintenance issues and correct or repair each as required, reporting non-correctable maintenance issues, including potential safety hazards, to the Team Leader and/or Zoological Manager
- Observe general animal health and behavior, daily, and report any abnormal circumstances to a supervisor
- Maintain records of health, behavior, enrichment, operant conditioning and visitor engagement
- Prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures for the animal collection
- Perform operant conditioning and enrichment programs in assigned areas
- Instruct new personnel in the proper methods of animal care and handling consistent with approved policies and procedures
- Assist in the training, supervision, evaluation of volunteers, interns, and vocational students, as needed
- Assist animal health and curatorial staff with animal handling, capture, restraint, transport and medication administration
- Support visitor engagement programs
- Interact with the public and Zoo staff in a professional and courteous manner
- Make decisions consistent with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden policies and procedures when required
- Perform daily duties in all sections of assigned department as required
- Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; bend; climb or balance; lift, grasp; and negotiate stairs and ladders. In addition, the employee may be exposed to Zoonosis, chemicals, and outside weather conditions; Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance; must possess a valid driver's license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle).
To apply for this position: Cover letter and resume should be included in your online application.
We strive to be an organization that is diverse and reflects the fullness of society. With a strongly held value for an organizational culture characterized by inclusion and belonging, we are committed to equity in all we do. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to our organization's diversity and who want to walk alongside us in our commitment to inclusion and equity. We are a Queen City Certified/Ellequate Leader in Workplace Equity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer
Job Summary
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Experience
3+ years
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