Sioux Falls Zoo And Aquarium · South Dakota · posted today
Join our Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium zookeeper team! Zookeepers are responsible for the specialized work involving the health and well-being of native and exotic animals through feeding, enclosure maintenance, behavioral observation, training, enrichment, and health care maintenance/ treatments. This position works with a variety of primates, including Colobus monkeys, Ring-tailed lemurs, and Japanese macaques, as well as kangaroos. Essential Functions • Provide all aspects of daily care for the animals in assigned exhibits and holding areas, including but not limited to: • Innovative animal husbandry that is in compliance with AZA and USDA standards. • Preparation and feeding of approved diets. • Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care. • Implementation of the behavioral program of the animals under assigned care, which includes animal training (operant conditioning) and enrichment programs. • Designing and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits. • Utilizing preventative husbandry techniques and providing proactive health care as required. • Providing proper care for neonates and young (may require care outside of normal working hours). • Maintain exhibits and holding areas in a clean, aesthetically pleasing, and presentable condition at all times. Includes performing general maintenance and repair of exhibits: painting, repairing fences and shelters, abating erosion, removing weeds, and snow removal. Maintains the cleanliness of other areas such as breakrooms, hallways, etc. • Observe the animal collection for any signs of illness, lethargy, injury, or dietary problems and report any problems to the Veterinarian, Area Supervisor, and/or Animal Care Director. • Assist the Veterinarian, Area Supervisor, and/or Animal Care Director in routine animal examinations and medicate animals with any prescribed treatments. • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees as well as interact and communicate well with the general public. • Maintain daily reports, medical records, enrichment logs, and other records as needed in the assigned area. • Give presentations to guests regularly (Keeper Chats) and answer guests' questions about animals and exhibits. • This engagement of the Zoo’s guests should extend to being willing to provide Behind the Scenes area tours, participate in media-related events, participate in public relations projects, and work special events in the area as necessary. • Capture, handle, and move animals using accepted Great Plains Zoo practices to facilitate internal movement, external shipping, medical procedures, or normal routines. • Perform basic restraint, crating/uncrating, and transport of animals as required, and must have the ability to operate various sizes of animal squeeze cages. • Other duties as assigned by the Curator or Director of Animal Care & Conservation. Competency • Must be able to follow written and oral instructions. • Must be flexible, self-motivated, enthusiastic and a team player. • Must demonstrate punctual attendance, reliability and good time management skills. • Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently. • Must be able to shoot rifles, shotguns and capture dart guns as required and/or directed to assist in the animal escape and recovery plan. • Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint). Experience Required • Requires a bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree; or an equivalent level of work experience and education as determined by the hiring authority. • Preferred Education and Experience Previous animal training and/or Zookeeper experience. • Experience in an AZA-accredited facility is preferred. Perks • PTO, Floating Holidays, Health & Vision Insurance, Company Provided STD, LTD, Dental & Life Insurance, Salary • 18
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