Bird Keeper

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

Job summary

A wildlife conservation facility in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced animal care professional focused on bird husbandry. The successful candidate will engage in training and enrichment, oversee aviary setups, and interact with the public by providing information on birds. Effective communication skills and at least one year of animal care experience in a controlled environment are required. Applicants must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions and have the ability to lift heavy weights.

Qualifications

• One year of prior animal care experience at a controlled environment facility.
• Must be dependable and demonstrate flexibility regarding work schedules.
• Must be able to lift at least 25 kg repetitively.

Responsibilities

• Involve in bird husbandry including training and enrichment.
• Setting up aviaries for exhibiting to the public.
• Reporting to supervisor regarding bird health.
• Feeding, watering, and cleaning quarters of bird collection.
• Interacting with visitors and providing information about birds.

Skills

Animal care

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Enrichment techniques

Public interaction

Education

High school zoology or related field

Job description

Duties & Responsibilities

• Involve in bird husbandry (including training and enrichment)
• Setting up aviaries for exhibiting to the public considering both the birds and the public's needs
• Reporting to supervisor
• Excellent animal care
• Feeds waters and cleans quarters of bird collection
• Adds vitamins or medication to food as prescribed by Vets under supervision
• Fills water containers and places food in cages or aviaries as specified
• Cleans bird's quarters using rake water hose and disinfectant
• Observes birds to detect illnesses and injuries and notifies supervisor or vet health care department of findings. Monitoring birds health breeding conditions and behavior
• Involve transportation from one enclosure to another for purposes such as breeding rearrangement of exhibits or shipping if needed
• Sets temperature and humidity controls of quarters as specified
• Hand raising if needed
• Handling Captures and restrains animal
• Hygiene management to prevent disease
• Ability to build relationships with animals
• Visitor interactions including scheduled on-ground talks to our guests answers visitors questions concerning bird habits or zoo operations
• Completes daily worksheets listing the amount of food eaten etc
• Maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures to ensure safety for the animal and visitors
• Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection including training enrichment research and education
• Actively foster constructive attitudes and a team orientation among staff
• Contributes to conservation activities as assigned
• Support the goals of EPZ departments collection plan strategic and Master Plans
• Oversee activities of interns and volunteers
• Participate in workshops training sessions if needed to improve job knowledge and professional development
• May assist vets in treatment of animals for illnesses and injuries
• May assist animal trainer or instructor in presentation of programs shows or lectures
• A large percentage of duties are performed outdoors in various weather conditions ranging from rain wind cool to cold weather and extreme heat and humidity

Requirements

High school zoology or related field is preferred.

One year of prior animal care experience (paid) at a controlled environment facility.

Good communication skills and enthusiasm for interacting with the public and a willingness to give regular talks to visitors special groups etc.

Familiar with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.

Must be able to function as a team member and support zoo's mission.

Must be dependable and demonstrate flexibility regarding work schedules.

Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather.

Must be able to perform strenuous work and lift at least 25 kg repetitively bending lifting etc.

English is must Arabic is preferred.

Must be willing to work with different cultures and nationalities.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.