Seasonal Keeper - Hoofstock

Zoo Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoo Atlanta seeks Seasonal Keepers in the Mammals department to support animal care, enrichment, and habitat maintenance. Report to Animal Care Managers/Lead Keepers and Curatorial Staff. Role includes assisting with training, enrichment, and education while ensuring safety for staff and guests.

Required are strong communication skills and prior exotic animal care experience; a four-year degree in a related field is preferred. Outdoor work in all weather and weekend availability are common.

Qualifications

• Prior exotic animal care experience preferred.
• AZA facility experience preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills required.
• Ability to operate basic tools after training.

Responsibilities

• Monitor health and behavior of the animal collection and report changes.
• Maintain high standards of animal care and guest interactions.
• Communicate effectively with staff and supervisors.
• Support area policies and safety protocols.
• Assist in training, enrichment, research, and education activities.
• Collaborate with departments to support zoo initiatives.
• Be flexible with hours, including weekends/holidays.

Skills

Public speaking

Written & oral skills

Computer proficiency

Light power tools

Interpersonal skills

Education

Four-year biology/psychology related degree

Job description

Job Title: Seasonal Keeper

Department: Mammals

Reports to: Animal Care Managers Lead Keepers and Curatorial Staff

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Status: Seasonal

Job Purpose: Seasonal Keepers are responsible for animal husbandry (including training and enrichment) and maintenance of habitats, holding and public areas of the assigned department. The Seasonal Hoofstock Keeper will report to the area Animal Care Manager and Mammal Curator. Zoo Atlanta's Hoofstock Department currently houses reticulated giraffes, plains zebra, ostrich, warthog, and southern white rhino. This position will have an ASAP hire date and will last until mid-January, 2027. This position is meant to serve as an interim (temporary) keeper and has an unspecified duration. For more information about Zoo Atlanta's animal, conservation, and research programs visit www.zooatlanta.org.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Monitor health and behavior of the animal collection and communicate changes to supervisor and veterinary staff. Oversee administration of medications as applicable.
• Maintain a high-performance level of general keeper duties including excellent animal care and guest interactions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to form and maintain positive relationships within the work environment.
• Actively support and implement area policies, procedures and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for the collection and the safety of staff and guests with the willingness to provide constructive feedback.
• Support and participate in collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection including, but not limited to, training, enrichment, research, and education.
• Actively foster constructive attitudes and positively participate in a team environment.
• Support Zoo Atlanta and its departments which include marketing, education, veterinary services, facilities and external department initiatives.
• Communicates effectively with supervisory staff and co-workers, both written and orally.
• Must be willing to fully support Zoo Atlanta's strategic plan, mission and values, and work with all zoo staff to support these plans.
• Support Zoo Atlanta's conservation and research initiatives.
• Must be dependable and willing to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays.
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• Prior related exotic animal care experience is preferred. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is greatly preferred.
• Good communication skills, an enthusiasm for interacting with the public and a willingness to give regular talks to guests, special groups, etc.
• Must have strong written and oral skills.
• Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.
• Demonstrate the ability to use light power tools after suitable training.

Education:

Four-year degree in biology, psychology, or related field is preferred; sufficient relevant experience will be considered.

Driving Requirements:

Must obtain and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and have the physical ability to perform strenuous work.
• Must be able to lift and move 50-pound bags of feed and bales of hay on a routine basis.

MISC:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Zoo Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment