Macaw Keeper

If you are an experienced animal care professional that is experienced in maintaining and caring for a variety of Macaw species and enjoys conducting information and formal presentations, look no further your next career is at the Indianapolis Zoo! We are currently on the hunt to add a practiced Macaw Keeper to our flock! Don’t fly past this exciting opportunity!

The ideal candidate is committed to advancing the Zoo’s mission to protect and inspire people to care for our world. This position will work with a variety of Macaw species such as Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao), Blue Throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis), Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna), Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguous), Military Macaw (Ara militaris), and Green Wing Macaw (Ara chloropterus) as well as many other bird species. Prior experience in the animal care profession, preferably a zoological setting, is required, psittacine experience is highly desired. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, position that requires availability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. A team-oriented personality that is temperamentally suited to work with animals is a requirement. Strong observation and communicative (both verbal and written) skills are a must.

This Macaw Keeper role involves a great deal of interaction with the general public, requiring good public speaking skills and the ability to provide outstanding customer service. This position will assist with the training of seasonal care staff, interns, and volunteers.

Working with Macaws requires a special skill set and physical responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:

• One (1) year of prior related work experience.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/ university in Life Sciences, Zoology, or a related field is required.

• Must be able to participate in area chats, feeds and behind-the-scene tours.

• Must possess exceptional public speaking skills and the ability to provide outstanding customer service to our guests.

• Completes area daily and weekly duties, including reports.

• Assists with research projects and exhibit modifications.

• Interpretation responsibilities with a variety of Macaw species.

• 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.

• Displays a professional attitude and appearance to visitors, volunteers, and co-workers.

• Physical strength and stamina with the ability to perform very heavy work, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.

• 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 to perform various jobs.

• Exceptional visual acuity is required, along with the ability to detect, assess, identify, and observe surroundings to make sound judgments, along with the ability to communicate verbally, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio and telephone.

• 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.

• Valid driver’s license and driving record that is insurable by our carrier.

The Indianapolis Zoo offers a competitive benefits package to all eligible (full-time/ 40 hr./ week) employees. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; 403(b) Retirement Plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Immediate Paid Holidays, and a complimentary Zoo membership for employees.

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 December 19, 2023, deadline.

• Interested candidates must include a resumé, cover letter, and salary requirements to be considered.

• Please note, the Zoo reserves the right to remove this job posting at any time, including before the stated application deadline.

The Indianapolis Zoo is proud to be a Drug-Free/ Smoke-Free/ Child Safe/ Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Work Environment