Employment

Position:  Full Time Animal Keeper
Reports to: General Curator
Supervises: Animal Care Volunteers/Interns
Coordinates with: Animal Care Staff, General Curator and Veterinary staff

Summary of Responsibilities: A highly motivated, skilled individual who will perform tasks associated with the husbandry and maintenance of native and exotic animals in an education and conservation-oriented zoological park.  A successful candidate has a collaborative, team-oriented approach to problem solving, exercises good judgment, efficiently manages time, foresees and applies safety precautions, possesses excellent written and oral communication skills, is able to work both independently and in a team environment and maintains confidentiality and Zoo safety protocols. All EPZ staff members are responsible for delivering exceptional guest service by creating positive interactions with guests and staff alike.

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities:

• As essential personnel, animal department staff are expected to be available as per business needs which include weekends, holidays, evenings and in inclement weather
• Foster an appreciation of wildlife and their habitats that will inspire active participation in conservation
• Assist management in ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all areas of the operation of the Zoo
• Follow and adhere to all policies and procedures and safety protocols for the department and the Zoo
• Use proper radio etiquette and adhere to proper uniform attire at all times

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform diligent observation and daily husbandry of all animals in assigned areas as stated in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Daily cleaning of exhibits, holding areas, and zoo grounds, as stated in the SOPs
• Provides overall care and maintenance of assigned work areas ensuring animal health, welfare and safety, staff safety and public safety through established standard operating procedures for animal care and exhibition as set forth by AZA and USDA
• Perform or assist with diet preparation as needed 
• Recognize and remove toxic plants from animal enclosures
• Daily animal record keeping using ZIMS and other tracking logs
• Provides animal enrichment in accordance with approved items and schedule
• Report maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate supervisor
• Assist in training interns
• Daily participation in and consistent application of behavioral husbandry/operant conditioning
• Assist with the movement, capture and restraint of animals
• Assist veterinary staff with the capture and restraint and treatment of animals as well as administration of prescribed medications and treatments (strictly according to written instructions)
• Deliver animal presentations (including virtual) and public speaking when required
• Observe for any unsafe acts which would cause harm to a guest, Zoo property, or animal collection
• Perform other duties assigned by General Curator, Veterinary Staff, Animal Supervisors or CEO
• Responsible for the safety and care of animal collection and zoo guests

Work Environment:

• Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for wild animals in captivity and may include:
  • Interaction with a variety of domestic and wild or potentially dangerous animals; animal odors, animal body fluids, cleaning materials, disinfectants, etc.
  • Inclement weather conditions
  • This position requires significant amounts of heavy lifting
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with EPZ staff and volunteers
• Ability to work irregular hours as needed including nights, holidays and weekends
• Ability to work special events and other functions as required

Qualifications—

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of two years of full-time paid non-domestic animal care experience working with diverse taxa including dangerous animals is required, AZA accredited facility preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology or related field preferred
• Proficiency in positive reinforcement training at progressively managed facility
• Successful Completion of the San Diego Zoo Global Academy Animal Welfare Professional Course

Other Requirements:

• Must have negative TB test and rabies vaccination
• Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor 
• Must have good physical strength and endurance including the ability to lift, move and transport up to 60lbs
• Able to work outside in all weather conditions
• Must be able to work from heights or in confined spaces and have ability to ascend, descend and work from and around stairs and ladders
• Must have a valid driver’s license

Pay: $16/hour

Identification: Two forms of official valid identification is required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances

Position: Director of Education 
Reports to: Executive Director/CEO 
Supervises: Education & Volunteer staff and Education Interns & Volunteers
Coordinates with: All Departments

Summary of Responsibilities: A highly motivated individual responsible for the overall Education message at Elmwood Park Zoo  including all onsite and offsite paid programs, free public programs, outreach, signage, etc. This  individual is responsible for researching and developing best practices for environmental literacy in all  educational programs offered at Elmwood Park Zoo and is committed to providing exceptional  customer service at all times. The Education Director must have excellent organizational skills and the  prior experience mentoring and supervising a skilled team. Continually evaluates the department  programs. Should also have a knowledge of animal handling polices and guidelines. 

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities: 

• Foster an appreciation of wildlife and their habitats that will inspire active participation in  conservation.
• Assist management in ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all areas of the operation of  the Zoo.
• Be available as per business needs.
• Follow and adhere to all policies and procedures and safety protocols for the department and  the Zoo.  
  
  

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Design the strategic direction and lead the implementation of the Elmwood Park Zoo’s  conservation-based educational programming, including all on-grounds and off-site “Zoo on  Wheels” traveling programs
• Develop and manage the program evaluation strategy to determine the impact of the Zoo’s  educational programming on program participants and guests. This includes community-based  programming as well as targeted programming for a variety of age groups
• Conduct educational program research to continue to maintain and improve quality of  educational programs for groups
• Conducts research and identify potential grant funding and other revenue generated funding  for Zoo education programs, ensure reporting compliance with grant-funded programs ∙ Assists with marketing and development strategies, i.e. makes occasional public appearances,  helps with fundraising efforts, and assists with special events at the Zoo. 
• Work with other departments to create an inclusive and engaging experience for visitors to the  Zoo and assist to develop interpretive content for exhibit signage throughout the Zoo that  promotes wildlife conservation
• Establish and grow strategic community partners
• Follow and implement all safety procedures as defined by the Zoo, AZA and other relevant  authorities
• Design implement and track training of staff on education programs as appropriate.
• Provide vision, strategic direction and leadership of personnel in order to ensure all programs  and interpretive messages carry out the Zoo’s mission 
• Train, evaluate and serve as a resource for education staff, volunteers and interns. ∙ Ensures department employees are formally evaluated on a regular basis. 
• Knowledge of animal handling policies and guidelines 
• Communicate effectively with both adults and children in both group and individual settings ∙ Manage the annual education department budget that includes both fee-based and contributed  revenue supported initiatives and operating expenses
• Responsible for annual preparation and monthly review of the education budget.
• Treat with confidentiality all information entrusted or known by you regarding guests, animals,  business, employees, volunteers, incidents and any other sensitive information and to discuss it  only with the proper management representatives
• Performs other duties as assigned 
  
  

Requirements: 

∙ Bachelor’s Degree in education, biology or a related field 

∙ Must have at least three years prior educational experience at an environmental education  center, zoo, or similar setting

∙ Experience in personnel and budget management 

∙ Excellent communication skills including public speaking

∙ Experience in grant writing and technical writing preferred  

∙ Strong customer service orientation and the ability to manage priorities in accordance with the  Zoo’s mission and within overall financial, strategic and guest experience objectives

∙ Must be highly motivated, organized and demonstrate a willingness to adapt positively to  organizational change 

∙ Galaxy POS, Microsoft Office and web-based systems experience preferred 

∙ Flexible availability including occasional evenings, weekends, holidays 

Identification: Two forms of official valid identification is required. Ability to pass background and  child abuse clearances