Zookeeper (Farm/Ambassador Animal)

Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium

Zookeeper (Farm/Ambassador Animal)

The Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium (Great Plains Zoo) invite applicants for our Farm/Ambassador Animal Zookeeper. As a zookeeper, you are responsible for the specialized work involving all aspects of the health and well-being of native and exotic animals through feeding, enclosure maintenance, behavioral observation, training, enrichment, and health care maintenance/ treatments. You will work with a variety of farm animals (goats, pigs, and chickens) and ambassador animals (parrots, small mammals, raptors, and a variety of reptiles) daily.

Provide all aspects of daily care for the animals in assigned exhibits and holding areas including but not limited to:

• Innovative animal husbandry that is in compliance with AZA and USDA standards.
• Preparation and feeding of approved diets.
• Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
• Implementation of the behavioral program of the animals under assigned care which include the animal training (operant conditioning) and enrichment programs.
• Designing and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits.
• Utilizing preventative husbandry techniques and providing proactive health care as required.
• Maintain exhibits and holding areas in a clean, aesthetically pleasing, and presentable condition at all times. Includes performing some maintenance and upkeep of exhibits: painting, repairing fences and shelters, abating erosion and mitigating standing water, removing weeds, and snow removal in animal areas.
• Observe the animal collection for any signs of illness, lethargy, injury, or dietary problems and report any problems to the Veterinarian, Area Supervisor, and/or Animal Care Director.
• Assist the Veterinary Staff, Area Supervisor, and/or Animal Care Director in routine animal examinations and medicate animals with any prescribed treatments.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees as well as interact and communicate well with the general public.
• Maintain daily reports, medical records, enrichment logs, and other records as needed in the assigned area.
• Give presentations to guests regularly (Keeper Chats) and answers guests questions about animals and exhibits. This engagement of Zoo's guests should extend to being willing to provide Behind the Scenes area tours, participate in media related events, participate in public relations projects and work special events in area as necessary.
• Capture, handle, and move animals using accepted Great Plains Zoo practices to facilitate internal movement,,external shipping, medical procedures, or normal routines. Perform basic restraint, crating/uncrating and transport of animals as required and must have the ability to operate various sizes of animal squeeze cages.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Animal Care and Area Supervisor.

Competency

• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Must be flexible, self-motivated, enthusiastic and a team player.
• Must demonstrate punctual attendance, reliability and good time management skills.
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint).

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position helps to oversee and train interns, volunteers and seasonal employees; however, this position does not have any direct reports.

Experience Required

Required Education and Experience Requires a bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree; or an equivalent level of work experience and education as determined by the hiring authority. Preferred Education and Experience Previous animal training and/or Zookeeper experience. Experience in an AZA accredited facility is preferred.

Salary

18

How to Apply

greatzoo.org/careers

Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium

805 S Kiwanis Ave

Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Phone: ...

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