Marine Mammal Keeper

Position Title: Marine Mammal Keeper (2 positions available)

Department: Water’s Edge/Aquarium

Position Status: Full-time

Essential Job Functions:

• Observes the animals (e.g. mammals, birds, reptiles, aquatic life, etc.), for disease, injuries, unusual behavior, pregnancy, etc.;
• Reports observations to assigned Lead Keeper or assistant curator;
• Requests, stores, prepares and distributes animal food and water in a timely manner, grooms animals, notify supervisors of food and water in a timely manner, grooms animals,
• Maintains and cleans in and around habitat and exhibit quarters, kitchen area, and public space surrounding the exhibits etc.,
• Inspects animal exhibit and habitat perimeters for security and assists in the implementation of the pest control program;
• Monitors life support systems (e.g. filtration water systems, water circulation systems, etc.), maintains appropriate environmental conditions; makes minor repairs and/or refers for permanent repairs; checks locks on cages;
• Assists veterinarian and technicians in animal examination and treatment; performs prescribed medical treatments and procedures;
• May assist in research study procedures and in the collection of data and preparation of reports;
• Keeps feeding, breeding, and health and animal inventory records in the required formats; prepares reports as requested or required;
• Catches animals and assists in transferring and transporting; may pick up and deliver animals as requested or required;
• Answers questions and conducts tours for educational programs and the general public, gives direction as needed and polices the grounds.
• Participates in training programs at the zoo or at remote locations. Attends professional conferences and prepares and delivers professional papers or articles. May assist in providing training to staff or volunteers as requested,
• Assists the Lead Keeper and/or Curatorial personnel in exhibit preparation and horticultural staff with planting exhibits;
• Collects biological specimens and assists in chemical or physical restraint of animals environments;
• Performs cold water scuba diving as required.

Other Functions:

• Performs work in accordance with wildlife regulations; may make water tests and regulate temperatures, etc.; performs activities and functions of related lower-level personnel and other related tasks and duties that are assigned or required.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education/Experience/Knowledge/Skills:

Bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology, chemistry, or related field and 2 years professional experience working with exotic animals; or an associate’s degree in the related sciences and 4 years of professional exotic or domestic animal experience.  In lieu of either degree, an additional two years may be substituted to equal a total of 7 years exotic animal experience.  Animal experience related to the area that the position will be assigned will take priority.  Marine mammal handling and restraint experience is required, along with general knowledge of marine mammal pool care and operations.    Valid PA driver’s license is required.  Employee must be SCUBA certified with a minimum of 2 years diving experience.

PHYSICAL requirements:

Must be able to lift 50 lbs. chest height; as well as perform a host of physical activities on a daily basis.  Some of these requirements include walking, stooping, pushing, pulling, climbing, grasping, bending, crawling, carrying, handling dexterity, etc.   Must be able to perform cold water diving.  The work performed is physical and demanding and also involves working outdoors in adverse weather conditions.  Must be available to work nights, weekends and holidays; minimal travel may be required.

Interested candidates should submit resume to:

HR@pittsburghzoo.org

EOE