Penguins Keeper- Seasonal

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

Job summary

An established industry player in wildlife conservation is seeking enthusiastic Seasonal Penguins Keepers to join their team. This role involves engaging with visitors through presentations and tours while ensuring the health and well-being of various penguin species. Ideal candidates will possess strong public speaking skills and a commitment to animal care. The position requires working in diverse environmental conditions and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to wildlife education and conservation efforts. If you are passionate about animals and enjoy working with the public, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Prior experience with Gentoo and Southern Rockhopper penguins is preferred.
• Ability to perform daily husbandry tasks and maintain animal exhibits.

Responsibilities

• Conduct informal presentations and tours with guests.
• Care for penguins and perform daily husbandry tasks.

Skills

Public Speaking

Animal Care

Customer Service

Teamwork

Positive Reinforcement

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's Degree in Life Science

Job description

From their adorable waddle to their stylish tuxedos, the Indianapolis Zoo is on the hunt for energetic Seasonal Penguins Keepers to work with our variety of Penguin species! Our Seasonal Penguins Keepers are constantly on the move conducting informal presentations and behind the scenes tours with guests, performing the daily husbandry, and caring for our penguins.

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 penguins, specifically cold/ sub-artic species. Prior experience working with Gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) and Southern Rockhopper (Eudyptes chrysocome) is strongly preferred. 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, 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.

• 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.
• 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.