Macaw Keeper

indianapoliszoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a full-time Macaw Keeper to care for avian exhibits and engage with guests through talks and presentations. The role emphasizes strong public speaking, observation, and teamwork while supporting seasonal staff and volunteers.

A Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or Zoology and at least one year of related experience are required. The position requires weekend/holiday availability and physical stamina for heavy tasks.

Qualifications

• One year of prior related work experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Zoology, or related field is required.
• Physical strength and stamina to perform heavy work (100 lbs occasional, 50 lbs frequent).
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors under all environmental conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily husbandry tasks and maintenance of animals and exhibits.
• Conduct interpretation responsibilities: area chats, feeds, presentations, tours.
• Provide outstanding public service and speaking to guests.
• Learn and implement species quarantine procedures as directed by supervisors.
• Maintain professional appearance and attitude for visitors and staff.
• Work in varied indoor/outdoor conditions and weather.
• Assist with research projects and exhibit modifications.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Guest service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or Zoology

Job description

From the vibrant personalities of Macaws to the precision and skill of free-flight training, no two days are the same for our full‑time Macaw Keeper! The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking an experienced and energetic animal care professional with exceptional public speaking skills to join our avian team.

The ideal candidate is committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. This position works closely with a variety of species including macaws, birds of prey, black vultures, toco toucans, Eastern yellow‑billed hornbills, American crows, and domestic chickens. Prior experience in animal care, preferably within a zoological setting, is required. Experience working with psittacine species and free‑flight training is highly desired. Candidates should possess strong observation, communication, and teamwork skills, along with a professional attitude when interacting with guests, volunteers, interns and co‑workers. The Macaw Keeper role involves a great deal of interaction with the public, requiring good speaking skills and the ability to provide outstanding customer service. This position will assist in the training of 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.

What You'll Do:

• Perform daily husbandry tasks and manual work involving the care and maintenance of the animals and exhibits under this position's care.
• Conducts interpretation responsibilities, including area chats, feeds, presentations and behind‑the‑scenes tours featuring a variety of Macaw species.
• Must possess exceptional public speaking skills and the ability to provide outstanding customer service to guests.
• Learn and implement species quarantine procedures as directed by Assistant Curator/ Curator.
• Displays a professional attitude and appearance to visitors, volunteers, and co‑workers.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
• Assist with research projects and exhibit modifications.

What We're Looking For:

• One (1) year of prior related work experience.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/ university in Life Sciences, Zoology, or a related field is required.
• 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.
• 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 to perform various duties.
• 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 accurately, using a two‑way radio and telephone.
• 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.
• Valid driver's license and driving record insurable by our carrier.

Why the Indianapolis Zoo?

Join a mission‑driven team where your skills will help make a global impact. As a unique institution encompassed as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, the Indianapolis Zoo offers an inspiring environment for innovation, education, and conservation.

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.