Encounters Keeper - Animal Ambassador, Birds, and Penguins

Indianapolis Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a full-time Encounters Keeper who will engage the public and care for a variety of bird species. Ideal candidates will have strong public speaking skills and a background in life sciences or zoology. This role requires physical strength and the ability to work under varied environmental conditions.

Qualifications

• One year of prior related work experience is required.
• Strong communication skills necessary for providing customer service.

Responsibilities

• Conduct informal presentations and tours with guests.
• Perform daily husbandry tasks for various bird species.
• Assist in training seasonal staff and volunteers.

Skills

Public speaking

Observation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences or zoology

Job description

Flamingos, Psittacine, Budgies, OH MY! From conducting informal presentations and behind the scenes tours with guests, to performing daily husbandry tasks for our many species of birds, our full time Encounters Keeper is always in flight! The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking energetic individuals with exceptional public speaking skills to join our Encounters flock!

The ideal candidate is committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. Having a professional attitude and appearance to visitors, volunteers, and co-workers is vital to the position, as well as being a team-oriented individual temperamentally suited to work with the public and a variety of bird species. Prior experience working with soft bill, psittacine, and/or flamingo is highly desired. Prior experience with positive reinforcement and operant conditioning is a plus. Strong observation and communicative (both written and verbal) skills are a must. This position will assist in training seasonal care staff, interns, and volunteers. This is a full time, 40 hours per week position that requires availability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Position Requirements and Experience include but are not limited to:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/ university in life sciences, zoology, or a related field is required.
• One (1) year of prior related work experience.
• Must be able to participate in area chats, feeds and behind-the-scenes tours.
• Must possess exceptional public speaking skills and the ability to provide outstanding customer service to our guests.
• Completes daily and weekly area duties, including reports.
• Assists with research projects and exhibit modifications.
• Must have the ability to perform daily husbandry tasks and manual work involving the care and maintenance of the animals and exhibits under this position's care.
• Displays a professional attitude and appearance to visitors, volunteers, and co-workers.
• 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.
• Exposure to work indoors and outdoors, under all environmental conditions, which include inclement weather, cold and hot temperatures, and humidity.
• Exceptional visual acuity is required, along with the 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.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium to perform various jobs.
• Valid driver's license and driving record insurable by the Zoo's insurance.
• Possible occupational exposure (Category B employee) to human bloodborne pathogens. Possible exposure to dangerous chemicals (e.g. chlorine bleach, cleaning agents, etc.) Must follow Universal Protection Precautions and Bloodborne Pathogens Guidelines.
• Will be required to learn and implement species quarantine procedures as directed by Assistant Curator.

To apply:

• Interested candidates must complete an application on the Indianapolis Zoo's website.
• Interested candidates must include a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to be considered.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.