Animal Keeper I
Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park, located in Richmond, Virginia, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature Center, arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation, committed to creating experiences that delight, educate and inspire its guests.
The Maymont Foundation is seeking a full-time Animal Keeper I who will care for a variety of animal species in the Virginia Wildlife Habitats and Farm. Some cross-training may occur for care of animals in The Robins Nature Center. The Animal Keeper I maintains the health and appearance of animals, habitats and support areas, and engages with guests through programming and education efforts. This position reports to the Senior Manager of Zoology and works closely with the Lead Animal Keeper.
Essential Functions:
- Maintains the appearance of the facilities by cleaning and prepping all animal enclosures and pastures to meet Maymont standards for animal care and guest experience
- Cares for all animals within area of responsibility, including but not limited to maintaining diets and feeding, daily husbandry, behavioral enrichment, operant conditioning/training, and application of veterinary treatments
- Performs preventative medical care of animals in the collection (fecal floats, de-worming, vaccinations, etc.)
- Maintains daily records, including but not limited to inventory, animal care and feeding, and medications
- Assists with shifting animals from the barn to the pastures in the morning and back to the barn in the afternoon
- Maintains the well-being of the horses and other animals by performing daily care routines such as hoof picks, brushing, and any other tasks based on the season
- Maintains exhibit appearance by working independently, as well as with other animal care staff, through the use of landscape tools such as weed trimmers, lawn mowers and leaf blowers
- Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs animal facilities and equipment, and participates in habitat improvement, design, and other planning
- Provides great guest experiences to individuals and groups through meaningful guest interactions, behind-the-scenes tours, special programs and events, workshops, and classes
- Researches data to properly understand and maintain the animals within area of responsibilites
- Helps supervise and engage interns, volunteers and students
- Supports other animal care teams such as The Robins Nature Center and Farm as needed
- Participates in Maymont community events as needed, which may be outside of regular work schedule
- Complies with legal, insurance and health/safety regulations, as well as Maymont policies, rules and procedures at all times
- Assists with other duties and tasks as assigned
Core Competencies:
- Great attitude, energy and enthusiasm
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings, as duties may vary depending on circumstances
- Ability to follow detailed written or oral instructions
- Knowledge of biological principles and terms
- Knowledge of safety precautions and willingness to work with normal hazards associated with an animal care facility (e.g., disinfectant chemicals, potential zoonotic diseases, being wet)
- Willingness to be vaccinated with employer-provided rabies pre-exposure vaccine
- Ability to work effectively and professionally with co-workers and Maymont visitors
- Ability to pass employer-provided training in Basic First Aid and CPR
- Ability to pass a background check
- Experience in animal restraint and handling preferred
- Ability to use operant conditioning techniques
- Valid driver's license required with reliable transportation to/from Maymont
- Ability to operate or learn to use hand and gardening tools, power tools, farm tractor, personal computer, microscope and first aid equipment
Education and Experience:
- High School Diploma/GED equivalent
- One year of paid animal care experience in a public zoo/aquarium setting
- Experience in caring for horses preferred
Physical Demands:
- Frequent sitting, standing, walking and talking for extended periods
- Frequent climbing, bending, stooping and lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to work inside and outside in all-weather conditions throughout the year
- Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
This position offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including paid-time-off and health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance.
FLSA Status: Full-Time Hourly
This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at-will employment relationship.
All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Maymont Foundation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
** Ability to pass a background check needed