Seasonal Contact Barn Keeper

Animal Care- Seasonal Contact Barn Keeper

Job Title: Seasonal Full time Contact Barn Keeper

Position: Keeper reports to the Americas Animal Care Manager while working with other members of the team to complete daily care of the animals. This position will solely be for the public contact barn area working with our domestic collection. This is an entry-level position. The job entails general animal care and husbandry in a heavily trafficked guest area. Guest interactions and good customer service skills are required. This individual will be responsible for monitoring interactions between the guests and our animals on a daily basis throughout the day. This individual will be required to work weekends. This position is temporary through our spring/ summer season and typically ends mid to late September.

Key Responsibilities of the Keeper:

Keepers perform regular zookeeping duties and other tasks, including:

• Monitoring health and behavior of collection animals

• Preparing feed and specific diets for collection animals

• Cleaning and disinfecting animal enclosures

• Basic landscaping in and around exhibits

• Inspecting exhibits daily for safety conditions and addressing problems promptly

• Implementing enrichment activities to improve animal management

• Promoting visitor education and experience

• Keeping detailed records of animal behavior, feeding, health, etc., through daily communication logs.

• Participating in emergency drills and assisting in the capture or restraint of animals (physical or chemical) in the case of emergency

• Maintaining exhibits to USDA, ZAA and facility standards

• Adhering to all safety protocols set forth by Management and Veterinary staff

• Other duties as needed, including non-animal related tasks and cooperation with departments outside of animal care (maintenance, retail, amusements, etc.)

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

Experience:

• Preference will be given to applicants that have at least 3 months paid/unpaid internship experience.
• Must be comfortable with public speaking and professional writing

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university is recommended; preferably in zoology, biology, animal science or related field.
• High school diploma required

Licensure/Certification:

• Negative TB test required

• Must maintain a valid Driver’s License

Software Requirements:

• Proven competency in the application of Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel computer programs is required.

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:

• Must have the ability to use mobile devices, computer, fax, scanner, phone and copy machine.

• Basic carpentry, plumbing and horticultural skills are considered an asset.

• Ability to work with basic hand tools is a plus.

• Ability and willingness to operator power tools, lawn equipment, etc.

• Must be able and willing to do routine facility maintenance work.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically demanding work several hours a day.

• Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and per OSHA regulations: Heavy work involving lifting no more than 75 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or varying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.

• Visual acuity is required to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal behavior.

• Ability to receive and convey detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone/radio), at normal speaking levels with or without correction is necessary to safely carry out this position.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

• Long hours are sometimes required including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Ability to do physical labor, often in tropical heat or other inclement weather is required.

• Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.

• Ensure that off-exhibit areas are maintained in a clean, organized, and safe fashion.

• Candidate must be able to work effectively with minimal supervision and approach all encounters with employees and guests in a friendly, service-oriented manner.

• Willingness to work irregular hours and be available based on special needs/circumstances on a 24-hour basis.

• Exposure to disinfectants and other chemicals, zoonotic diseases, animal bites and other animal-related injuries may occur in the normal course of duty.

• Candidate must assist with pest control for their section.

Personal Attributes: Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate well with a wide variety of people. High attention to detail. Commitment to continually making the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo a better place for its animals, its staff, and its guests.

Overall Expectations:

To meet the goals of our mission, successful keepers work to achieve the following expectations.

Education

• Candidates must be comfortable speaking in public

• Extensive interaction with the public using given animal information and interpretative materials

• Candidates must be able to convey information, both written and verbal, clearly and concisely

Conservation

• Personally strive for and inspire coworkers to provide the best possible welfare for every animal in their area.

• Maintain area above and beyond USDA Standards at all times

• Appropriately interpret animal behavior and conservation messages for the guests.

• Provide appropriate enrichment for the animals to engage visitors and enhance their animal appreciation and knowledge.

• Work with industry professionals, researchers and others on research benefitting our animal collection and animals in the wild

• Inspire coworkers and guests to become more involved in conservation.

Adventure

• Must do their part to ensure that each guest has a great experience at the Zoo, learns something new, and has fun doing it!

Community

• Make eye contact with guests, and smile at every person.

• Wear identification badge.

• Offer assistance to guests when needed.

• Assume ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spill, pick up trash).

Teamwork

• Maintain a positive attitude, pleasant tone of voice (remember it is not what you say, but how you say it).

• Help coworkers maintain guest service expectations.

• Be effective handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary

• Keepers may be called upon to perform facility and exhibit maintenance, including but not limited to, trash and debris removal, floor cleaning, painting, building repair, horticultural duties, etc.

• Utilize the power of teamwork to give excellent service and guest experience.

• Know when to involve management.

• Inspire your team to succeed!

Hours:

This is a 40 hour per week position. Working hours for this position are currently 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM, and are not flexible. Hours may vary seasonally. All animal care staff are required to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays, as well as occasional after-hours events or animal care. This position will be working Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday.

Drug Screening:

Applicant must consent to drug screening within 48 hours of being offered a position.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $12.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Weekend availability

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to undergo a background check in accordance with state regulations?
• Have you completed, or are you working towards a degree in zoology, biology, animal science or a related field?
• How many years of animal care experience do you have at a zoological accredited facility?

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person