Overview:
Responsible for the daily care of animals within assigned team as well as all other animals within the region; tests water quality and monitors life support systems and all region exhibit/habitat and grounds maintenance.
Responsibilities:
- Provides care for the regions animals, including but not limited to food preparation, feeding, monitoring diets, watering, bathing, enrichment, water changes, observing medical and behavioral changes, behavioral stimulation and assists with medical treatment as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarians.
- Participates in training and operant conditioning programs and follows standardized reporting mechanisms.
- Participates in venomous species handling program as assigned.
- Cleans and maintains the regions exhibit areas (e.g. servicing life support systems, use of water quality testing equipment), performs basic horticulture work within exhibit.
- Will serve as a spotting diver when only one diver is in water.
- Performs minor maintenance, water quality testing, water changes, filter maintenance and other work related to aquatic systems.
- Cross training between Shores Aquarist, Shores Stingray Bay Aquarist, and Shores Terrestrial Keeper positions is encouraged and subject to department operational needs as defined by the curator. Cross-trained staff may be assigned duties throughout the Shores region as needed.
- Provides educational information about the regions animal population through such activities as interacting with the public, conducting keeper talks, staffing interpreter stations, conducting tours and workshops, attending docent meetings, composing articles for zoo publications and conducting volunteer trainings.
- Utilizes chemical supply products and follows standardized usage guidelines and safety information as set by the Material Data Sheets.
- Assures safety of self, the living collection, co-workers and visitors by observing safety guidelines around the animals, equipment, and vehicles.
- Maintains accurate, up-to-date records (e.g. daily, monthly) on the collection.
- Provides input to Curator on all aspects (e.g. safety, animal husbandry) of the region.
- May provide leadership and training to seasonal employees, interns, volunteers and zooschool students (e.g. provide daily work direction, inform management of problems.)
- Attend departmental meetings and participate in developmental seminars and workshops as required.
- Establishes and maintains contacts with other zookeepers outside of the Columbus Zoo, field researchers and other specialists as required.
- Remains current and follows all diving and institutional safety protocols as assigned.
- Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club and The Wilds.
- Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required Skills & Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Bachelors degree in zoology, animal science, biology or related field required. Four years of relevant zookeeping experience may be substituted for a degree.
- Experience in zookeeping (6 months to one year), or approved equivalent.
- Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to develop and deliver informational presentations to small, medium or large groups.
- Ability to develop and deliver informational presentations to small, medium or large groups.
- C.U.B.A. certification required or ability to obtain S.C.U.B.A. certification within one year of employment.
- P.R./First Aid certification.
- Remain current and follow all diving related institutional safety protocols as assigned.
- Ability to pass Dive Program annual swim test.
- Ability to pass Dive Program physical exam.
- Ability to perform strenuous physical work.
Preferred Skills & Qualifications:
- Minimum six months animal husbandry experience working with fish, amphibians, invertebrates, marine mammals, avian and reptiles.
- Ability to successfully perform zookeeper duties within a diverse animal collection.
- Experience in the maintenance of aquariums, aquatic life support systems, and use of water quality testing equipment.
- Experience in diagnosis and treatment of common diseases of fish and invertebrates.
Other essential aspects of the role:
- Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter.
- Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays.
- Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision.
- Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the Make it G.R.E.A.T. standards.
- Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually.
- Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols.
- Possession of a valid state issued motor vehicle operators license and a good driving record required, as well as ability to operate standard shift vehicles.
- Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquariums drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment.