Animal Keeper 1

 ALASKA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER 

Title:
Animal Keeper 1 

Category: Fulltime, Year-round  

Reports To: Animal Curator, Assistant Curator  

General Function 

• Under direct supervision of the Animal Curator and Assistant Curator, the Animal Keeper 1 performs tasks requiring skills in the care and maintenance of the animal collection and exhibit facilities at the center. 

Major Activities (Typical Duties/Responsibilities) 

• Works days and hours assigned by Animal Curator; changes based on season. 

• Requires late shifts until closing (8pm) during summer operating hours, as well as possible overnights during calving season. 

• Provides water and food for animals and cleans exhibits in assigned area. Makes daily animal observations and reports any abnormal behavior or health concerns, exhibit security, and/or safety concerns to on-duty supervisor immediately. 

• Diet preparation and distribution following prescribed diet and feeding procedures. Records diet consumption daily and notifies supervisor of feeding behavior changes. 

• Recommends improvements in animal care procedures and schedules, exhibit upkeep and employee and visitor safety. 

• Carries out prescribed veterinary treatments as assigned by the Vet Team and Animal Care management. Assists in capture and crating/uncrating of animals. 

• Performs routine maintenance and upkeep of walkways, zoo grounds and facilities as assigned. Reports needed major repairs and checks and maintains equipment used. 

• Acts as a liaison to the public by courteously answering questions and enforcing feeding rules for the animals. 

• Presents educational programs and tours when assigned. 

• Research and preparation of information regarding zoo specimens for discussion with the public and other professionals. 

• Represents the AWCC animal care department in a positive way during any filming operation the AWCC management decides to partake in; helping to promote the facility in a positive light and garner public support. 

• Reports all departmental personnel concerns directly and immediately to the Animal Curator. 

• Carries out the responsibilities of the position in a professional and appropriate manner. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Required Skills/Abilities 

• Ability to work in a team environment to help achieve AWCC’s goals and objectives. 

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral. 

• Must possess a positive and respectful attitude. 

• Excellent customer services skills. 

• Be willing and able to work in extreme weather conditions; rain, snow, sleet, sun or wind. 

• Exceptional work ethic, attention to detail and time management skills. 

• Abilities to lift 80#, bend, reach, stand, crawl, and work in a drastically changing weather environment 

• Ability to compromise, listen, learn, understand, and follow instructions and directions. 

• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other employees. 

• Ability to work directly with the public, providing information and assistance as needed. 

• Ability/willingness to learn and pass on to customers those areas of interest to visitors, such as local history, people, culture, geography, etc. 

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed. 

• Proven ability to effectively lead in a fast-paced environment. 

• Efficient, organizational skills, time management, and ability to multitask. 

• Current on the following vaccinations: Tetanus and Rabies series. 

Preferred Qualifications (education, experience, skills) 

• A Bachelor of Science degree in animal sciences. 

• A minimum of 1 year of related experience. 

• A positive attitude and strong work ethic. 

Benefits 

• Compensation starting at $24-26/hour, DOE 

• 12 paid holidays including the employee’s birthday (New Year’s, Easter, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous People’s Day, Thanksgiving, Day-After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas). 

• Medical, dental and vision insurance, AWCC covers 100% of premium 

• Sick leave. 

• PTO accumulation package. 

• Option to enroll in 403-b retirement, matching 5% from the company after 1 yr of service. 

• Housing available on site, bunkhouse style. Limited capacity. Security deposit and monthly rent associated. 

• Continuing education opportunities.