Indianapolis Zoo
Encounters Keeper (Part-Time)
Flamingos, Psittacine, Budgies, OH MY! From conducting informal presentations and behind the scene tours with guests, to performing the daily husbandry tasks for our many species of birds, our Part-Time Encounters Keeper is always busy! The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking energetic individuals with exceptional public speaking skills to join our Encounters flock!
The 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 a variety of bird species. Prior experience working with soft bill, psittacine, and/ or flamingo is highly desired. Prior experience with positive reinforcement and operant conditioning is a plus. This part-time (29 hours per week or less) position will work year-round with a pay rate of $9.00/ hour. Weekend, holiday, overtime and/ or varied shift work is required.
Position Requirements and Experience:
- Minimum of one (1) year of animal care experience preferably with birds.
- 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.
- Interpretation responsibilities with mixed species aviaries and/ or the flamingo yard.
- The ability to perform daily husbandry task 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 Area Manager/ 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.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a criminal history and driving record check, and a drug test.
To apply:
- Interested candidates must complete an online Zoo application by the February 28, 2021 application deadline.
- Attach a resumé and cover letter to your application to increase your chances.
The Indianapolis Zoo is proud to be a Smoke-Free/ Drug-Free/ Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)/ Child Safe Work Environment.
Experience Required
1 year of related work experience
Perks
Complimentary Zoo Membership
Salary
$9.00/ hr.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must complete an online application on the Zoo's website at: https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/jobs-volunteer/available-positions/
Indianapolis Zoo
1200 West Washington Street, P.O. Box 22309
Indianapolis, IN 46222
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