Zookeeper (Ungulate)

Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a Zookeeper to care for native and exotic ungulates, including Black Rhinos, Reticulated Giraffes and Grevy’s Zebras. Responsibilities include feeding, enclosure maintenance, behavioral observation, training, enrichment, and health care.

The role emphasizes teamwork, reliability, and following AZA/USDA standards; occasional after-hours neonate care and guest education duties such as Keeper Chats may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience in daily animal care and husbandry.
• Ability to follow AZA and USDA standards.
• Strong observation and record-keeping skills.
• Comfort with public interaction and guest education.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care and feeding for assigned animals.
• Maintain exhibits and holding areas in clean and safe condition.
• Observe animals for health issues and report to veterinary staff.
• Conduct training and enrichment activities; present Keeper Chats.

Skills

Animal care

Training/conditioning

Enclosure maintenance

Public engagement

Record keeping

MS Office

Communication

Tools

Darting equipment?

MS Office Suite

Job description

Job Summary

Zookeepers are responsible for the specialized work involving all the health and wellbeing of native and exotic animals through feeding, enclosure maintenance, behavioral observation, training, enrichment and health care maintenance and treatment. This position works with a variety of ungulates which includes Black Rhinos, Reticulated Giraffes, Eastern Bongo, Grevy’s Zebras, Bactrian Camels, and Bison.

Reports To

Amanda Klein

Essential Functions

• Provide all aspects of daily care for the animals in assigned exhibits and holding areas including but not limited to:
  • Innovative animal husbandry that is in compliance with AZA and USDA standards.
  • Preparation and feeding of approved diets.
  • Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
  • Implementation of the behavioral program of the animals under assigned care which include the animal training (operant conditioning) and enrichment programs.
  • Designing and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits.
  • Utilizing preventative husbandry techniques and providing proactive health care as required.
  • 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 breakrooms, hallways etc.
• Observe the animal collection for any signs of illness, lethargy, injury, or dietary problems and report any problems to the Veterinarian, Area Supervisor, and/or Director of Animal Care.
• Assist the Veterinarian, Area Supervisor, and/or Director of Animal Care in routine animal examinations and medicate animals with any prescribed treatments.
• 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 Area Supervisor and/or Director of Animal Care & Conservation.

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.
• Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint).

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position helps to oversee and train Junior Zookeepers, interns, volunteers and seasonal employees; however, this position does not have any direct reports.

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.