Animal Keeper- Outdoor Birds
$64,605–$64,605 year
On-siteChicago, Illinois, United States
Chicago, Illinois, United StatesOn-siteFull Time$64,605–$64,605 year
Full Time
Job Summary
Provide daily care to Chilean flamingos, African penguins, waterfowl, and birds of prey through feeding, watering, cleaning, and securing enclosures. Conduct operant conditioning training sessions, develop training plans, and implement behavioral enrichment activities. Monitor animal health, administer therapeutics as prescribed, and collect ZooMonitor data. Maintain exhibit displays, landscape, and equipment while preparing prescribed diets and documenting observations in the TRACKS system. Perform minor repairs, manage tool inventories, and coordinate with other departments to ensure efficient zoo operations.
Required Qualifications
- Graduation from a high school or the equivalent (GED)
- Knowledge of current industry standard husbandry practices and methods
- Knowledge of animal behavior and natural history
- Knowledge of common environmental enrichment and animal training practices
- Knowledge of biology and related subjects
- Knowledge of animal behavior as an indication of general health, reproductive potential and wellbeing
- Knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the safe work practices to employ while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals
- Knowledge of materials, methods, tools and equipment used in cleaning operations
- Skill in making thorough observations and documenting observations
- Ability to keep comprehensive and accurate records according to established procedures
- Strong oral and written communications skills
- Ability to both give and follow oral and written directions effectively
- Ability to give and receive constructive feedback
- Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all projects
- Ability to work in any of the assigned animal areas fulfilling all requirements of the title
- Ability to exercise sound judgement in analyzing animal behavior problems or emergency situations, and to respond with appropriate action
- Ability to work with and be comfortable around potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species
- Ability to work with potentially dangerous machinery, animal handling tools, squeeze cages, chemicals, and/or medications
- Ability to interact courteously, respectfully and productively with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors, and general public
- Knowledge of basic computer programs/software (Word, Excel, and Internet/Intranet navigation)
- Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time
- Ability to regularly perform a variety of physical tasks that include but not limited to climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, crawling
- Physical strength, including ability to frequently move up to fifty (50) pounds
- Ability to work in small, confined spaces
- Ability to work in all weather conditions
- Ability to wear requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that may include rubber/latex gloves, steel-toed boots/shoes, face shields, eye goggles
- No allergy related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to work
- No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch balance and ability of movement that might interfere with ability to work
- Ability to maintain immune response to exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases
- Ability to swim may be required for some positions
- Available to work all necessary hours, including weekends, holidays, special events and all shifts
- Available to attend on-ground training sessions as needed
- A valid driver's license with a good driving record
- Proof of negative TB test
Desired Qualifications
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Biological Sciences (i.e. Biology, Zoology, Ecology) or a closely related discipline
- Previous experience performing animal care activities in a zoo, aquarium or like institutions
- Experience in designated taxonomic area
- Experience and proficiency in animal training using operant conditioning techniques and goal-based enrichment
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.