Encounters Keeper- Seasonal

EmergencyMD; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join their Encounters team at a renowned zoo. This seasonal role involves engaging with the public through presentations and caring for a variety of bird species. Ideal candidates will possess strong public speaking skills and a commitment to animal welfare. The position offers a unique opportunity to inspire visitors while working closely with ambassador animals in an exciting environment. If you are passionate about wildlife and enjoy working as part of a team, this role is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• Exceptional public speaking skills and ability to engage with guests.
• Prior experience with bird species is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Conduct informal presentations and tours for guests.
• Perform daily husbandry tasks for various bird species.

Skills

Public Speaking

Animal Care

Customer Service

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences

Job description

Flamingos, Budgies, and Psittacines, OH MY! From conducting informal presentations and behind-the-scenes tours with guests, to performing the daily husbandry tasks for our many species of birds, our Seasonal Encounters Keepers are always busy! The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking energetic individuals with exceptional public speaking skills to join our Encounters flock for the 2024 season! This position will work closely with a variety of bird species and ambassador animals assisting with husbandry and enrichment.

Ideal candidates are 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 that is 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. This seasonal (40 hours per week) position will work from May 1 until Nov. 1 with a pay rate of $13.00/hr. Weekends, holidays, overtime, and/or varied shift work is required.

Position Requirements and Experience:

• Comfortability conducting informal presentations, chats, and feeds to the public throughout the day.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium while performing various jobs.
• Exceptional visual acuity is required, along with the ability to communicate, comprehend, and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio.
• Interpretation responsibilities with mixed species aviaries and/or the flamingo yard.
• 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.
• Must possess exceptional public speaking skills and the ability to provide outstanding customer service to our guests.
• Directly responsible for health and well-being of the collections assigned to this position's care.
• Must follow all safety Policies and Procedures of the Indianapolis Zoo.
• 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 the Assistant Curator of Ambassador Animals & Encounters.
• Prior work experience involving animal care is strongly preferred. College coursework in a suitable animal-related field may be substituted for work experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor's degree in a Life Science area from an accredited college/university in life sciences is strongly preferred.

To apply:

• Interested candidates must complete an online application.
• Interested applicants 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.