Animal Keeper 1 (Primates)

Animal Keeper 1 (Primates) Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer -

M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran StatusGeneral Summary:

The Animal Keeper 1 (Primates) will providecare and maintenance of the animals and their associated exhibits and holdingareas. The Animal Keeper is responsiblefor working collaboratively with other keepers and coworkers to achievedepartmental and Zoo-wide initiatives.

The Animal Keeper will report to their assigned Area Manager and theGeneral Curator. Additionally, the Animal Keeper 1 will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.

Essential Functions:

Primary Function:

• Provides basic dailyhusbandry, food and water for animals in assigned area in accordance withdepartment and area standards
• Observes behavior andphysical condition of animals, and reports concerns to area supervisor
• Transfers animals betweenenclosures in accordance with department and area standards, and followsestablished safety guidelines
• Provides approved enrichmentto animals in compliance with behavior team requirements
• Participates in approvedtraining programs in compliance with behavior team requirements
• Maintains daily electronicrecords to track animal behavior and well-being over time
• Attends annual welfareassessments and submits regular welfare evaluations
• Participates in datacollection for approved behavior and research projects
• Participates in animalmedical procedures as directed by the area supervisor
• Participates in animal escapedrills and incidents as directed by the recapture coordinator
• Conducts daily inspections ofanimal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings for structural defectsand potential safety issues, and reports concerns to area supervisor
• Performs minor repairs andmaintenance of animal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings as needed
• Maintains cleanliness ofanimal facilities, area buildings, public spaces and back of house areas
• Implements pest controlmeasures as needed, and in accordance with the Zoo's pest control program
• Complies with all AZAstandards and USDA regulations
• Ads to all policies andprocedures of the department and the Zoo
• May train new staff on dailyarea routines with oversight from higher level keepers or manager.

Communication (Internal and External):

• Completes daily records fortracking animal health, animal behavior, enrichment and training
• Reviews area records andupdates in order to stay informed of new developments and changes in assignedarea
• Checks Zoo email regularlyfor updates from department and Zoo management
• Provides area supervisor withtimely updates on animal concerns
• Actively participates in teammeetings, discussions and debriefings
• Ads to the Zoo'scommunication policy regarding social media posts and confidentiality
• Enhances the guest experienceby actively engaging with visitors
• Supports the Zoo's mission bysharing the organization's conservation messages with visitors and the generalpublicManagement of Resources (Financial, Human Resources, Facilities):
• Proper storage and use ofanimal food items and animal medications
• Proper use and care of Zoo radiosand cell phones, and timely reporting of issues
• Safe use of Zoo vehicles andtimely reporting of issues, including any accidents
• Maintenance and safe use oftools and minor equipment, including kitchen knives

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in zoology, biology, or a related field of study strongly preferred.

Experience/Training:

• At least one year of animal care experience with applicable species preferred
• Zoo experience preferred (paid or unpaid)
• Understanding of current trends in animal training and behavior management
• Able to collect and collate data for studying animal behavior
• Familiarity with electronic communication and record-keeping
• Must possess a valid driver's license

Traits Desirable:

• Ability to work with a wide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds;
• Ability to operate both independently and as part of a team in a productive, respectful, and efficient manner with proper time management skills;
• Extremely well organized, self-directed, collaborative, and detail oriented; and,
• Possess a positive attitude and a general philosophy/outlook in line with the Zoo's mission.

Equipment:

• Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, radio, and vehicles, hand tools, animal restraint and capture devices, incubators, gardening/carpentry tools and machinery, scales, etc.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift 75 pounds with assistance and 50 pounds unassisted as needed;
• Must be able to climb a ladder carrying up to 15 pounds;
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 25 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; Must be able to stand and remain active for an eight-hour shift; must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
• Must be able to travel large areas of the Zoo on foot as needed;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
• Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
• Exposure to zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack;
• Exposure to potential environmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain, and insect bites/stings; and Hepatitis B depending on the position; and,
• Initial tuberculosis (TB) test and physical required;

Benefits:

• We offer an excellent benefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
• Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.

Disclaimer:

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified. Tfore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.

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