Animal Keeper - North America

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading zoo is seeking a dedicated animal care professional for their North America Department. This full-time position involves the daily care of various animals, including marine mammals, and requires SCUBA certification. The role includes responsibilities such as cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and engaging with the public. Comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional development are offered.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision

401(k) and PTO

Opportunities for professional development

Discounts and passes

Qualifications

• Experience in animal husbandry with marine mammals required.
• Must be SCUBA certified and competent to dive.
• Understanding of aquatic life support systems.

Responsibilities

• Clean animal displays and complete inspections of enclosures.
• Observe animal health and maintain records.
• Assist in training and evaluating volunteers and interns.

Skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Animal husbandry

SCUBA diving

Teamwork

Education

Degree in biological sciences or related field

Job description

Summary: This position involves skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures, and related facilities within the North America Department. The department's animals include North American river otters, Southern sea otters, black bears, raptors, canids, and manatees, with three species involved in active USFWS recovery programs (Mexican gray wolf, Florida manatee, and southern sea otter). Work assignments will rotate among four areas: Manatee Springs, Wolf Woods, Sea Otter Coast, and Bear Ridge. Duties may include related or unrelated tasks as assigned.

Duties include:

1. Clean animal displays, holding areas, service areas, public sections, and grounds.
2. Complete inspections of enclosures and life support systems to ensure animal safety and welfare.
3. Identify maintenance issues, perform repairs, and report non-correctable issues or safety hazards.
4. Observe animal health and behavior daily; report abnormalities.
5. Maintain records of health, behavior, enrichment, operant conditioning, and visitor engagement.
6. Prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures.
7. Conduct operant conditioning, animal experience plans, and enrichment programs.
8. Instruct new personnel in proper animal care methods.
9. Assist in training, supervising, and evaluating volunteers, interns, and students.
10. Assist with animal handling, capture, restraint, transport, and medication administration.
11. Develop and support visitor engagement programs.
12. Interact professionally with the public and staff.
13. Make decisions consistent with zoo policies.
14. Perform daily duties across all sections of the assigned department.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. A degree in biological sciences or related field is preferred.
2. Experience in animal husbandry with mammals, specifically marine mammals, is required.
3. Must be SCUBA certified and competent to dive with collection animals and operate equipment safely.
4. Husbandry experience with marine mammals, especially manatees and sea otters, is required.
5. Understanding of aquatic life support systems.
6. Knowledge of modern zoological practices, operant conditioning, and animal husbandry.
7. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
8. Ability to establish positive relationships with colleagues and volunteers.
9. Experience with outdoor habitat maintenance.
10. Interest in collaborative PR and educational activities.
11. Demonstration of the Zoo’s Core Values.

Equivalent education and experience will be considered.

Working Conditions:

• Background check, drug screening, and proof of COVID vaccination required.
• Must pass a dive physical.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, climb, and grasp objects.
• Work in water, swimming, and SCUBA conditions; withstand water temperatures and durations.
• Exposed to outdoor weather conditions.
• Must lift and move 50 pounds and possess a valid driver’s license.

Position Details & Benefits:

• Full-time position with benefits, subject to probation and union dues.
• Regular days off between Tuesday and Thursday.
• Hourly, non-exempt, starting pay $21.73 - $25.75/hour based on experience.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, mental health, 401(k), PTO, insurance, discounts, and passes.
• Application requires cover letter and resume.