Birds and Ambassador Animals Keeper
If you are a practiced animal care professional that has prior experience in maintaining and caring for a variety of species and enjoys conducting informal and formal presentations, look no further your next career is at the Indianapolis Zoo! We are currently on the hunt to add a Birds & Ambassador Animals Keeper to our flock! Don’t fly past this exciting opportunity!
The ideal candidate is committed to advancing the Zoo’s mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. Daily responsibilities of this position include working with a variety of bird species and ambassador animals, keeper chats with the general public, as well as assisting with special projects. Prior experience working with an animal ambassador team and/ or working with psittacines and/or softbills is highly desirable. Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment activities, and public speaking skills are a requirement of this position. The successful candidate must display a professional attitude and appearance to all visitors, co-workers, and volunteers. Must be strongly team-oriented and possess excellent communication (both written and verbal) skills. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, position that will be required to work mandatory overtime, weekends, and holidays.
This role involves a great deal of interaction with the general public, requiring good public speaking skills and the ability to provide outstanding customer service. This position will assist with the training of seasonal care staff, interns, and volunteers.
Working with a variety of birds and ambassador animals requires a special skills set and physical responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:
- One (1) year of prior related work experience using operant conditioning and enrichment programs for bird species and/ or ambassador animals.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/ university in Life Sciences, Zoology, or a related field is required.
- Must be able to participate in area chats, feeds and behind-the-scene tours.
- Completes area daily and weekly duties, including reports.
- Assists with research projects and exhibit modifications.
- Physical strength and stamina with the ability to perform very heavy work, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
- Ability to transport and move items, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
- Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium to perform various jobs.
- Ability to detect, assess, identify, and observe surroundings to make sound judgments, along with the ability to communicate verbally, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio and telephone.
- Valid driver’s license and driving record that is insurable by our carrier.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a criminal history and driving record check, and a drug test.
The Indianapolis Zoo offers a competitive benefits package to all eligible (full-time/ 40 hr./ week) employees. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; 403(b) Retirement Plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Immediate Paid Holidays, and a complimentary Zoo membership for employees.
To apply:
- Interested candidates must complete an online Zoo application by the April 25, 2021.
- Attach a resumé and cover letter to your application to increase your chances
The Indianapolis Zoo is proud to be a Drug-Free/ Smoke-Free/ Child Safe/ Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Work Environment.