Position: The America’s Keeper 1 Status: Full Time; FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt Department: Animal Reports to: Animal Curator
POSITION OVERVIEW
Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, the Brevard Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. It is also home to the Sea Turtle Healing Center for rehabilitation of wild marine turtles. Brevard Zoo is well-known for its strong conservation ethic and unique attractions, such as kayaking through the Africa area, giraffe feeding, and rhinoceros encounters.
This position is responsible for the daily care of the animals in the Americas section of the Zoo highlighting animals from North, Central, and South America – including husbandry, training, enrichment, and habitat maintenance. Animals in this area include Black Bears, Birds of Prey, Bobcat, Deer, Jaguar, Baird’s Tapir, Giant River Otters, Coati, Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, Capuchins, and more. Must be able to work as an integral part of the zoo team and communicate effectively with co-workers, management, and guests.
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:
- One year of zoo keeping experience in an AZA accredited facility.
- Valid State of Florida driver’s license.
- Must be flexible with schedule including holidays, weekends, evenings, and during emergency situations.
- Must be willing to work in inclement weather including temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and high humidity.
PREFERRED/DESIRED:
- Black Bear experience
- Primate experience
- Large Cat experience
- Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in related field.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Provide general husbandry for all animals in the Americas section. This includes cleaning animal habitats, preparing diets, training, enrichment, and observing animal health and welfare daily.
- Responsible for minor habitat repair and maintenance.
- Knowledgeable and comfortable working with all species in this area on a regular basis (training provided).
- Accurately maintain and complete daily records.
- Responsible for the training of additional staff and interns.
- Willing to work with and under the guidance of Animal Management to ensure Brevard Zoo’s standards of animal wellbeing are always being maintained.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must have an excellent understanding of animal behavior and operant conditioning.
- Speaks intelligently and diplomatically with co-workers, volunteers, and guests.
- Initiates and writes accurate reports and manages assigned projects.
- Ability to follow all Zoo standard operation procedures.
KEEPER 1 LEVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- Identify enrichment needs for the animals on the run and provide behavior-based enrichment on a daily basis.
- Read all applicable husbandry manuals.
- Learn all maintenance behaviors for the animals on the team, utilize regularly and consistently, and appropriately record sessions in a timely manner.
- Participate in animal exams, monthly keeper training, learning strings, and animal identification.
- Take the following 4 classes: Animal Welfare, Training Techniques 1, Behavior-driven enrichment, and CPR.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
(M) Medium Work
Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects as needed to move objects.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS/HAZARDS:
Must be willing to work in inclement weather including temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and high humidity.
Frequent movement outdoors with some indoor office environment. Exposure to extreme heat and weather conditions. Requires Sitting, Standing, Walking, Bending, Stooping, Kneeling, Finger Dexterity, Talking, Hearing, and Visual Acuity frequently.
WORK SCHEDULE:
Must be flexible with schedule including holidays, weekends, evenings, and during emergency situations.
TRAVEL: May be asked to travel
The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Zoo’s policies on evaluation of personnel. Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement East Coast Zoological Society of Florida, Inc., dba Brevard Zoo, is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, transfer, termination, or any other terms and conditions of employment. Employees and applicants are encouraged to report any concerns regarding discrimination or harassment, and retaliation for reporting such concerns is strictly prohibited. Brevard Zoo is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive.
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