Non-Mammal Swing Animal Keeper

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Akron Zoo is seeking a full-time Non-Mammal Swing Animal Keeper responsible for providing high-quality care for various animal species including reptiles and birds. This role demands strong communication skills, physical capability, and a commitment to conservation. Candidates should hold at least an Associate’s degree and have experience in animal care. The position promises significant involvement in the Zoo's growth and conservation efforts, requiring collaboration with a dedicated team in a rewarding environment.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree strongly preferred; minimum Associate’s degree required.
• Minimum six months of animal care experience at an AZA accredited facility required.
• Must be available weekends, holidays, and flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

• Provide care for assigned areas, including physical tasks like climbing and lifting.
• Support Avian and Ectotherm teams and ensure high-quality animal care.
• Communicate effectively with other staff to maintain care quality.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Conservation ethic

Education

Four-year degree

Associate’s degree or equivalent

Job description

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Non-Mammal Swing Animal Keeper

The Akron Zoo has experienced remarkable success over the last two decades with tremendous attendance growth, strong financial sustainability, and an enviable record of repeated AZA accreditation certifications. This coupled with overwhelming community support demonstrated by the repeated passing of tax levy campaigns, which provide annual funding towards the Zoo’s operating and capital needs.

The Zoo is poised for continued growth and development having just completed new strategic, master, and conservation plans that outline several important projects including a new $25M+ African exhibit expansion which will add giraffe to the collection, a new animal hospital and increased resources directed to new conservation programs.

With that as a canvas, the Akron Zoo is seeking a full-time, 40-hour per week Animal Keeper with excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a mature attitude, for physical work (which includes climbing and walking on uneven terrain; entering and wading into pools; climbing hills, stairs and ladders; wearing PPE; lifting up to 50 lbs.; and working outside in all weather conditions, etc.). Candidates must possess a proven working knowledge of non-mammal husbandry, a strong conservation ethic, and exceptional interpersonal skills to provide high quality care for assigned areas.

• The Non-Mammal Swing Animal Keeper will be trained on multiple applicable routines on the Non-Mammal Half provided they are qualified to be trained on those routines.
• The Non-Mammal Swing Keeper will be assigned primarily to the Avian and Ectotherm teams (reptiles, amphibians, insects, and some aquatics if applicable).
• Each Non-Mammal Swing Animal Keeper will be scheduled to work on one or more routines each week depending upon the needs of the Zoo.
• The Swing Animal Keeper may support the teams by assisting with projects rather than routines as needed or can be assigned to a routine so another keeper can be assigned to a project.
• Each Swing Animal Keeper will be expected to keep up to date with what is going on with all of the routines that they are trained on. They will need to communicate well with other animal care staff both verbally and in written form so that they may fill the gap and maintain consistent quality care for the animals even when the Principal Keeper is off.

Requirements

This position is full-time, 40-hours per week, Non-Exempt, Collective Bargaining position with benefits. Hourly rate ranges from $18.95-$21.45 (based on experience as per union contract). Candidates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a mature attitude, and a strong conservation ethic. Candidate must be able to complete physical work which includes climbing and walking on uneven terrain; entering and wading into pools; climbing hills, stairs and ladders; wearing PPE; lifting up to 50 lbs.; and working outside in all weather conditions.

A four-year degree is strongly preferred; a minimum of an Associate’s degree or equivalent is required. A minimum of six months of animal care experience at an AZA accredited facility is required; also, a minimum of three years of progressive work experience is strongly preferred. Must be available weekends, holidays, and for a flexible schedule and must be able to meet all other requirements of the job.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, this employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by his/her immediate supervisor. The Akron Zoo reserves the right to revise and change job duties as business requirements dictate.

The Akron Zoo is a Drug-Free Workplace and an EOE.

Experience Required

A four-year degree is strongly preferred; a minimum of an Associate’s degree or equivalent is required. A minimum of six months of animal care experience at an AZA accredited facility is required; also, a minimum of three years of progressive work experience is strongly preferred. Must be available weekends, holidays, and for a flexible schedule and must be able to meet all other requirements of the job.

Hourly rate ranges from $18.95-$21.45 (based on experience as per union contract).