Arizona Center for Nature Conservation

The Phoenix Zoo

Job Description

Job Title: Keeper I, II, or Senior - Ectotherms

Department: Living Collections

Supervisor: Collection Manager- Ectotherms

Supervises: None

FLSA Status: Full Time, Regular, Non-exempt

Pay: Starting at $23.70

The Keeper in this position is responsible for the safety, health and well-being of all assigned animals through the performance of documented husbandry practices. This position supports designated public experiences, by training and mentoring internal guests (staff and volunteers), developing and maintaining animal cued behaviors, and animal programs. A Phoenix Zoo Keeper also actively collaborates in the development and presentation of guest experiences that support the Phoenix Zoo’s mission.

Essential Duties:

• Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
• Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures; report any observed health or behavioral abnormalities of all assigned specimens to immediate supervisor on a daily basis.
• Assist in the development of protocols for the restraint, introduction/breeding, and husbandry care of assigned animals; amend and update Standard Operating Procedures as assigned.
• Perform assigned and approved behavioral enrichment activities and animal training procedures of assigned specimens in a timely manner and consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures.
• Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions/breeding, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.
• Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols, ensuring the safety of guests and animals.
• Perform minor repairs to exhibits; interact with maintenance staff as needed and as assigned. Document and report any structural or mechanical problems.
• Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to support designated public experiences and other communication activities and goals that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events.

Keeper I:

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.
• High school diploma required.
• Behavioral enrichment experience preferred.
• Minimum six months paid or one-year volunteer experience in work relevant to exotic animal husbandry.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.

Keeper II:

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.
• High school diploma required.
• Behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning experience preferred.
• Minimum 2 years paid experience relevant to animal husbandry in an AZA accredited institution or related facility.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.

Senior:

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent experience strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years paid experience in work relevant to animal husbandry in an AZA accredited institution or related facility
• Behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning experience preferred.
• Knowledge in the areas of animal nutrition, public engagement and communication, facility maintenance.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces and work in extreme weather conditions.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.