Interactive Keeper - Seasonal
Position:Seasonal Interactive Keeper
Reports to: Director of Animal Care
Supervises: Animal Care Volunteers/Interns
Coordinates with: Animal Department Staff
Summary of Responsibilities:
A highly motivated, skilled individual who will perform tasks associated with conducting interactive experiences and other encounters for guests. This individual will also assist 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, will show excellent communication skills in educating guests participating in interactive feeding experiences or other encounters, 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 protocol. All EPZ staff members are responsible for delivering exceptional guest service by creating positive interactions with guests and staff alike.
- 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
- Conduct Interactive Experiences with giraffes, bison, domestic livestock, two-toed sloth and assorted birds
- Conduct Guest Encounters with a variety of species
- Perform guest interpretation in Welcome Center (projected open June 2024) with public-facing Animal Treatment and Commissary rooms
- Perform diet preparation for Feeding Experiences
- Work with Animal Keepers to support the following responsibilities:
- Perform diligent observation and daily husbandry of all animal areas as stated in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Daily cleaning of exhibits, holding areas, and zoo grounds, as stated in the SOPs
- Provide overall care and maintenance of assigned work areas ensuring animal health, welfare and the safety of animals, staff and guests through established SOPs for animal care and exhibition as set forth by AZA and USDA
- Recognize and remove toxic plants from animal enclosures
- Daily animal record keeping using ZIMS and other tracking logs
- Provide approved animal enrichment in accordance with schedule
- 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 or CEO
- Responsible for the safety and care of animal collection and zoo guests
- 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
Minimum Qualification Requirements:
Education and Experience:
- Minimum of 300 hours of non-domestic animal care experience working in a zoo setting with diverse taxa including exotic hoofstock, AZA accredited facility preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology or related field preferred
- Successful Completion of the San Diego Zoo Global Academy Animal Welfare Professional Course
Other Requirements:
- Must have negative TB test
- 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
Identification:
Two forms of official valid identification are required
Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances
Wage: $16/hour