Ambassador Animal Keeper
: Job Details :

Lehigh Valley Zoo

JOB SUMMARY:

The Ambassador Animal Keeper is responsible for the daily care and welfare of animals within the ambassador animal population. This position works closely with multiple departments. Each member of the Lehigh Valley Zoo team plays a crucial part of helping our organization save species.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

* Knowledge of current zoo animal husbandry standards and natural history for a diverse population of animals

* Knowledge of USDA and AZA standards

* Performs all daily husbandry tasks including cleaning and diet prep

* Must be able to evaluate and report animal behavior to Lead Keeper and Assistant Curator

* Maintains accurate and detailed daily animal records

* Implements and evaluates behavioral enrichment in accordance with zoo policy

* Basic knowledge of operant conditioning and experience with training new behaviors

* Serves as trainer for ambassador animals under the direction of the lead trainer, lead keeper, and assistant curator

* Assist the veterinary staff in capture and restraint, administration of prescribed medications and procedures as necessary

* Trains new animal keepers, zoo educators, docents, and interns per AZA standards for ambassador animals

* Certifies new animal handlers on each tier of ambassador animal handling through record keeping

* Reports issues and potential safety hazards to Lead Keeper and Assistant Curator

* Maintains exhibit esthetics including routine exhibit maintenance and small repairs

* Provides scheduled keeper chats for guest experiences as well as on an informal basis

* Demonstrates knowledge of zoo-wide area emergency procedures

* Demonstrates an ability to work in a team setting with a positive attitude

* Works cooperatively with other zoo departments.

* Performs other related work as required

Experience Required

Skills Competencies Animal handling skills Critical thinking skills to trouble shoot and reveal solutions to assist the progression of the animal care team Knowledge of and a history with operant conditioning techniques. Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently with purpose and accuracy as well in a group setting Excellent time management with ability to multitask Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships Good interpersonal skills with the ability and desire to work as a team member Able to follow written and oral direction, exercise good judgment, and apply safety precautions applicable to the work Qualifications and Experience Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or related field required. Advanced degree in animal sciences, biology, wildlife management or equivalent combination of training and experience Minimum one to two years, comparable level experience in a zoo environment Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hour assignments Possess a valid driver's license Physical Demands and Work Environment Physical Demands: Employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to drive Zoo vehicles Work Environment: You are often required to perform physical labor in varying weather conditions. You can be bitten, scratched, kicked, or otherwise harmed by wild animals

Salary

$14.50 / hour

How to Apply

To apply, click the link below:

Lehigh Valley Zoo

5150 Game Preserve Road

Schnecksville, PA 18078

Phone: 610-###-####

Fax: 610-###-####

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