Macaw Keeper- Seasonal

Indianapolis Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading zoological organization as a Seasonal Macaw Keeper where you will engage with guests and care for diverse Macaw species. This full-time position runs from May to November, emphasizing animal husbandry, public interactions, and exceptional customer service amidst a vibrant and dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Comfortability conducting informal presentations and engaging with the public.
• Prior animal care experience is highly desired.
• Ability to work in various environmental conditions.

Responsibilities

• Daily care and husbandry of Macaw species.
• Conduct presentations and interact with zoo guests.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures at the zoo.

Skills

Public Speaking

Customer Service

Teamwork

Animal Care

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in Life Science (preferred)

Job description

Imagine the sunshine and warmer temperatures of summer, you look up towards the sky and see a rainbow of vibrant colors; this is exactly what our guests see when they attend our Magnificent Macaw free flight presentation. The Indianapolis Zoo is on the prowl for Seasonal Macaw Keepers to join our flock for the 2024 season. Our Seasonal Macaw Keepers interact with our guests and assists with the daily husbandry of large flocks of Macaw species.

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 Macaw species. Prior experience working with a variety of species of macaw, raptors and/ or softbills is highly desired. Prior experience with positive reinforcement and operant conditioning is a plus. This seasonal (40 hours per week) position will work from the months of May 1 to Nov. 1 with a pay rate of $13.00/hr. Weekends, holidays, and 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 a variety of Macaw species.
• The ability to perform daily husbandry task 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 Assistant Curator.
• Prior work experience involving animal care is strongly preferred. College course work 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.