KEEPER

Position Title: Keeper
Department: Kids Kingdom

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Observes the animals for disease, injuries, unusual behavior, pregnancy, etc.;
• reports observations to assigned Lead Keeper or supervisor;
• requests, stores, prepares and distributes animal food and water in a timely manner, grooms animals as directed;
• notifies supervisor of food materials or supplies to be ordered;
• maintains and cleans in and around exhibit and holding quarters, kitchen area, etc.,
• inspects animal exhibit and holding perimeters for security;
• Assists in the implementation of the pest control program; observes exhibit and 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;
• assist veterinarian in animal examination and treatment and performs prescribed medical procedures;
• Provides regular enrichment as scheduled and helps assemble enrichment devices;
• Participates in animal training;
• may assist in research study procedures and in the collection of data and preparation of reports;
• keeps feeding, breeding, health, enrichment, training and animal inventory records in 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 question and conducts tours for educational programs and the general public, gives direction as needed and polices the grounds;
• Participates in staff training programs at the zoo or at remote locations;
• May assist in providing training to staff or volunteers as requested; assists the Lead Keeper and/or Supervisory personnel in exhibit preparation and horticultural staff with plant exhibits;
• Collects biological specimens and assists in chemical or physical restraint of animals environments; performs work in accordance with AZA and wildlife regulations;
• Performs activities and functions of related lower-level personnel and other related tasks and duties that are assigned or required.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology, zoology or related field and two years professional experience working with exotic animals; or an associate’s degree in the related sciences and three years of professional exotic or domestic animal experience.  In lieu of either degree, an additional two years may be substituted to equal seven years exotic animal experience.  Animal experience related to the area that the position is assigned will take priority.

Position is physical and requires the ability to walk, stoop, push, pull, carry and lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.  Position is required to work weekends, holidays, some evenings and has exposure to outdoor temperatures throughout the year.

Submit resume to:

HR@pittsburghzoo.org

EOE