Ambassador Animal Keeper

Company: Potawatomi Zoo
Location: South Bend
Posted on: January 15, 2020

Job Description:

Potawatomi Zoo Ambassador Animal Keeper Ambassador Animal Keeper The Potawatomi Zoo is a 23-acre zoo located in South Bend, Indiana, United States. The zoo is run and maintained by the Potawatomi Zoological Society, but also still remains city owned. Founded in 1902, it is the oldest zoo in Indiana. It features over 400 animals and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo has over 200,000 visitors each year. OVERVIEW: The Potawatomi Zoo is seeking a qualified individual to fill a full-time Ambassador Animal Keeper position. The successful candidate will have the skills and competency to perform normal keeper duties as needed in the assigned area as well as to help build and develop the zoos growing ambassador animal collection. This individual will be responsible for carrying out all aspects of daily animal care and husbandry for a diverse collection of animals. The Ambassador Animal Zookeeper will work closely with the Animal Care Manager along with the Education Curator as it pertains to the development of animal training and handling protocols. A strong commitment to team work, professionalism, and excellence is required. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Responsible for the daily observation of animal health and welfare. * Preparation of animal diets; feeding and watering animals according to a predetermined schedule. * Cleaning and disinfection of animal enclosures, holding areas, and exhibit features; food and water dishes / pans; draining and cleaning pools; collection and disposal of refuse. * Reporting births, deaths, injuries and/or irregular behavior of animals to appropriate manager. Assists with animal health procedures. * Maintaining daily reports and other records. * Trains new keepers, educators, docents, and interns per AZA standards for ambassador animals. Certifies new animal handlers on each tier of program animals through record keeping. * Serves as primary trainer for program animals and determines priority of training behaviors per species. * Assisting with the movement, capture and restraint of animals. * Maintaining exhibit esthetics (planters, yards, perching, etc.) * Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate manager. * Performing minor repairs and improvements of exhibits under supervision. * Monitoring and informing the public as necessary; responsible for public safety. * Maintaining Standards Operating Procedures (SOP). * Providing daily keeper guest experiences on a routine basis. * Maintaining and inspecting areas to meet AZA and USDA standards. * Carries out duties and job assignments as delegated by immediate managers or other appropriate members of management. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. The ideal candidate would be personable, proactive, self-motivated, independent, a problem solver, and be able to work with intermittent guidance. 2. Must have experience working with ambassador animals in an AZA facility with a knowledge of AZA s ambassador animal standards. 3. Possess good verbal and written communication skills. 4. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, volunteers, the general public, and ambassador animals such as small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects (handling required). 5. Must be capable of speaking in front of a large group of people while appropriately handling an ambassador animal. Must enjoy working with the public and will serve the Zoo as a positive advocate in the community. 6. Must possess a valid Indiana or Michigan driver s license. 7. Bachelor s degree in a Biological Science (i.e. Biology, Zoology) or closely related field preferred with preference given to applicants with at least one-year or more of experience working with a diverse collection in a zoological, wildlife park or a closely related environment. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near potentially dangerous animals, moves around mechanical parts and works in all types of weather conditions. The employee frequently works in precarious places and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. How to Apply Please submit resume to Jami Richard, Animal Care Manager at ******************** Potawatomi Zoo 500 S Greenlawn Ave South Bend, IN 46615 Phone: ************ Fax: ************ Visit our website Like us on Facebook Return to All Job Posts Edit your job posting General Settings * Title (limited to 100 characters) * * Description * * Experience * * Comments * * Salary * * Category Type * * * How should a candidate apply? * Example: the mailing address, email address, fax number or website the applicant should use to apply. * * Job Perks * Company Info * Company Name * * Address * * * * City * * State * * Zip * * Company Phone * * Company Fax * * Company Website * * Company Twitter Username * * Company Facebook Page * * About the Company * * Company Logo/Avatar * [IMAGE]Remove * JPG and GIF only, recommended size of 100x100 pixels. Contact Info Please enter your contact information below. 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Keywords: Potawatomi Zoo, South Bend , Ambassador Animal Keeper, Other , South Bend, Indiana