Part-Time Swing Zookeeper

Great Plains Zoo; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated Part-Time Swing Keeper to provide exceptional care for a variety of zoo animals. This role involves daily husbandry tasks, maintaining clean and safe environments, and engaging with guests through educational presentations. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant degree and demonstrate strong teamwork and communication skills. With a flexible schedule and the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, this position is perfect for those passionate about animal care and education. Join a team committed to excellence in animal welfare and public engagement!

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, or Animal Science required.
• Experience in AZA accredited facilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for zoo animals and maintain exhibits.
• Monitor animal health and report issues to supervisors.
• Engage with guests through presentations and tours.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Communication skills

Time management

Basic veterinary care

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Zoology

Bachelor's degree in Biology

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science

Tools

MS Office Suite

Animal capture tools

Job description

Job Summary:
The Part-Time Swing Keeper will work throughout all areas of the zoo, as assigned, under the supervision of the Animal Care Supervisor and may be assigned to any area of the Animal Care or Education Departments during any given workday or parts thereof. Each area/routine in the Zoo has a variety of species across several different taxonomic classes. The Part-Time Swing Keeper will be held accountable to the same standards of care and husbandry as other Zookeepers at the facility. They will be responsible for the specialized work involving all aspects of the general care and feeding of zoo animals, including the cleaning and maintenance of buildings, grounds, and exhibits. This position will have a flexible schedule, and days off will be assigned when the monthly schedule is posted but may not be the same from week to week.

Reports To:
Animal Care Manager

Essential Functions:
• Provide all aspects of daily care for the animals in assigned exhibits and holding areas. Including but not limited to:
o Innovative animal husbandry that is in compliance with AZA and USDA standards.
o Preparation and feeding of approved diets and liquids.
o Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
o Providing appropriate environments for the species and providing for the physical and psychological well-being of the animals;
o Provide environmental enrichment and training sessions, using operant conditioning, as applicable and scheduled;
o Designing and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits.
o Provide proper care for neonates and young (may require care outside of normal working hours).
• Maintain exhibits and holding areas in a clean, aesthetically pleasing, and presentable condition at all times. Includes performing general maintenance and repair of exhibits: painting, repairing fences and shelters, abating erosion, removing weeds, and snow removal. Maintains the cleanliness of other areas such as break rooms, hallways, etc.
• Observe the animal collection for any signs of illness, lethargy, injury, or dietary problems and report any problems to the Veterinarian, Animal Care Supervisor and/or Director of Animal Care (DAC).
• Assist the Veterinarian, Animal Care Supervisor and/or DAC in routine animal examinations and medicate animals with any prescribed treatments and/or medical follow-up as needed.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees as well as interact and communicate well with the general public.
• Maintain daily reports, medical records, enrichment logs, and other records as needed in the assigned area.
• Give presentations to guests on a regular basis (Keeper Chats) and answers guests’ questions about animals and exhibits. This engagement of Zoo’s guests should extend to being willing to provide Behind the Scenes area tours, participate in media related events, participate in public relations projects and work special events in area as necessary.
• Capture, handle, and move animals using accepted Great Plains Zoo practices to facilitate internal movement, external shipping, medical procedures, or normal routines. Perform basic restraint, crating/uncrating and transport of animals as required and must have the ability to operate various sizes of animal squeeze cages.
• Other duties as assigned by the Animal Care Supervisor and the DAC.

Competency:
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Must be flexible, self-motivated, enthusiastic and a team player.
• Must demonstrate punctual attendance, reliability and good time management skills.
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Must be able to shoot rifles, shotguns and capture dart guns as required and/or directed to assist in the animal escape and recovery plan.
• Must be proficient in the use of computers including MS Office products (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint).
Work Environment
Must be able to tolerate and be exposed to strong odors, toxic or caustic chemicals, dust, hay, animal fur/hair/dander, and wet or humid conditions (non-weather) and all variable outdoor weather conditions.

Physical Demands:
Must be able to climb ladders/stairs, lift crates/animals and / or equipment weighing 70 lbs, operate mowers, handle fires hoses, operate weed eaters, hay elevators, motorized carts, tractors, dump truck, pickup truck, load and operate wheel barrows loaded up to 150 lbs., be agile and flexible to maneuver in and around the animals within exhibits, corrals and holding areas.

Travel:
No travel necessary.

Required Education and Experience:
Requires a bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree; or an equivalent level of work experience and education as determined by the hiring authority.

Preferred Education and Experience:
• Previous animal training and/or Zookeeper experience
• Experience in an AZA accredited facility is preferred.

Additional Qualifications:
• Maintain a current tetanus vaccination (5 years) and be willing to be TB tested annually.
• Must be certified or able to become certified in CPR/AED within 1 year of employment.
• This position will have a flexible schedule and days off will be assigned when the monthly schedule is posted but may not be the same week to week. It will require the ability to work weekends, holidays and evenings as required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a pre-employment background check