Carnivore Keeper

About This Role

The Carnivore Keeper will provide comprehensive care for the Zoo's carnivore collection, including husbandry, exhibit maintenance, and operant conditioning. This role ensures the well-being of animals and contributes to the Zoo's conservation efforts.

Responsibilities

• Provide care (prepare diets for, feeds and cleans) for animals and maintain habitats, related structures, and surrounding non-public areas
• Perform daily observation of animals to identify normal and abnormal behaviors related to husbandry/health issues
• Coordinate with senior staff on animal training programs to facilitate husbandry behaviors
• Communicate questions or concerns regarding medical/health issues of specimens in collection to supervisor
• Provide behavioral and psychological enrichment for animals
• Communicate with visitors as needed for educational and behavioral/safety purposes
• Dispose of trash and debris in zoo
• Maintain landscaping and grounds for and around habitats
• Service and maintain tools and equipment and facilities to ensure safe use, including opening and closing of facilities
• Attend regular safety meetings and follow all safety rules and regulations, policies and procedures
• Assist with training for new keepers or seasonal staff as assigned
• Document observations and information on animal health, behavior, diet, enrichment, and facilities for department records

Requirements

• 2+ years of full-time, paid, exotic animal experience
• 1+ year of Carnivore intensive experience
• College degree (Associates or Bachelors) in Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, etc. or a combination of education and experience
• Valid driver's license
• Skill in the use and maintenance of tools and equipment
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely
• Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and behavior
• Knowledge of maintenance methods and materials
• Ability to receive, understand, and carry out verbal and written instruction, direction, and assignments
• Ability to perform physical work activities in varying weather conditions
• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with employees and to deal with the public in an effective and positive manner

Qualifications

• College degree (Associates or Bachelors) in Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, or related field
• 2+ years of full-time, paid, exotic animal experience, with at least 1 year of Carnivore intensive experience

Nice to Have

• Experience with Sumatran tiger, Andean bears, clouded leopards, anteaters, binturongs, and civets
• Advanced operant conditioning
• Capture and restraint
• Introductions
• Breeding & group dynamics for social and solitary carnivores
• Experience in an AZA accredited zoo

Benefits