Macaw Keeper - Full Time

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Macaw Keeper to join their team. This exciting role involves caring for various Macaw species and engaging with the public through presentations and tours. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in animal care, particularly in a zoo environment, and possess excellent communication skills. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with wildlife while contributing to the mission of inspiring conservation efforts. If you are passionate about animal care and enjoy public interaction, this role could be your next great adventure!

Qualifications

• 1+ year of animal care experience in a zoological setting required.
• Strong public speaking and customer service skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct presentations and provide customer service to zoo guests.
• Assist in training seasonal staff and interns.

Skills

Animal Care

Public Speaking

Customer Service

Observation Skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences

Bachelor's degree in Zoology

Tools

Two-way Radio

Telephone

Job description

If you are an animal care professional experienced in maintaining and caring for a variety of Macaw species, and you enjoy conducting informational and formal presentations, look no further--your next career is at the Indianapolis Zoo! We are currently on the hunt to add a practiced Macaw Keeper to our flock. Don't fly past this exciting opportunity!

The ideal candidate is committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. This position will work with a variety of macaw species, birds of prey, black vulture, toco toucan, Eastern yellow-billed hornbill, American crow, and domestic chicken. Prior experience in an animal care profession, preferably a zoological setting, is required. Psittacine experience and free flight training experience is highly desired. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position that requires availability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. A team-oriented personality that is temperamentally suited to work with animals is a requirement. Strong observation and communicative (both verbal and written) skills are a must.

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.

Working with Macaws requires a special skill set and physical responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:

• 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.
• 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 guests.
• Completes daily and weekly area duties, including reports.
• Assists with research projects and exhibit modifications.
• Conducts interpretation responsibilities with a variety of Macaw species.
• 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.
• 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 information 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.
• Will be required to learn and implement species quarantine procedures as directed by Assistant Curator/ Curator.
• Valid driver's license and driving record insurable by our carrier.

To apply:

• Interested candidates must apply online on the Indianapolis Zoo's website.
• Interested candidates must include a resumé, 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.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Administrative
• Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos