Bird Keeper

Emirates Park Zoo; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading zoo in Abu Dhabi is seeking an animal care specialist to join their team. The successful candidate will be responsible for bird husbandry, provide excellent care, and engage with visitors. The role requires a strong commitment to animal welfare and teamwork, with a focus on conservation efforts and education.

Qualifications

• At least one year of paid animal care experience at a controlled environment facility.
• Familiarity with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
• Ability to perform strenuous work, including lifting at least 25 kg.

Responsibilities

• Involve in bird husbandry, including training and enrichment.
• Provide excellent animal care and maintain hygiene to prevent disease.
• Engage in visitor interactions and educational talks.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Enthusiasm for public interaction

Observational skills

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma in zoology or a related field

Job description

Duties & Responsibilities

• Involve in bird husbandry, including training and enrichment.
• Set up aviaries for exhibiting to the public, considering both the birds' and the public's needs.
• Report to supervisor.
• Provide excellent animal care.
• Feed, water, and clean the quarters of the bird collection.
• Add vitamins or medication to food as prescribed by veterinarians under supervision.
• Fill water containers and place food in cages or aviaries as specified.
• Clean birds' quarters using rake, water hose, and disinfectant.
• Observe birds to detect illnesses and injuries, notify supervisor or vet health care department of findings, and monitor birds' health, breeding conditions, and behavior.
• Transport birds between enclosures for purposes such as breeding, exhibit rearrangement, or shipping if needed.
• Set temperature and humidity controls of quarters as specified.
• Assist with hand raising of birds if needed.
• Handle, capture, and restrain animals safely.
• Manage hygiene to prevent disease.
• Build positive relationships with animals.
• Engage in visitor interactions, including scheduled talks, answering questions about bird habits or zoo operations.
• Complete daily worksheets, recording food intake and other relevant data.
• Maintain safety protocols to ensure safety for animals and visitors.
• Participate in and support efforts related to collection care, including training, enrichment, research, and education.
• Foster a team-oriented and constructive attitude among staff.
• Contribute to conservation activities as assigned.
• Support the goals outlined in EPZ departments' collection, strategic, and master plans.
• Oversee activities of interns and volunteers.
• Participate in workshops and training sessions for professional development.
• Assist veterinarians in treating animals for illnesses and injuries.
• Support animal trainers or instructors in programs, shows, or lectures.
• Perform duties outdoors in various weather conditions, from rain and wind to extreme heat and humidity.

Requirements

• High school diploma in zoology or a related field preferred.
• At least one year of paid animal care experience at a controlled environment facility.
• Good communication skills, enthusiasm for public interaction, and willingness to give talks to visitors and groups.
• Familiarity with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
• Ability to work as part of a team and support the zoo's mission.
• Dependability and flexibility regarding work schedules.
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather.
• Ability to perform strenuous work, including lifting at least 25 kg repeatedly.
• Proficiency in English; Arabic is preferred.
• Willingness to work with diverse cultures and nationalities.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.