Swing Keeper

Job Status: Full-time hourly starting at $15.70 for Keeper I. Pay commensurate with experience. Zoo Atlanta is committed to regularly evaluating keeper salary.

About Zoo Atlanta:

Minutes from downtown, Zoo Atlanta is the oldest and one of the most respected cultural destinations in the Southeast’s largest and most vibrant city. Culture, dining, nightlife, and famously eclectic neighborhoods, not to mention a temperate climate year-round, attract a growing number of newcomers to the one-and-only Atlanta. Atlanta is known as the "City in the Trees," with the Zoo and surrounding neighborhood showcasing why. The zoo is in a strong financial position and is committed to investing in our staff and facilities to continue our focus on animal care, research, and conservation. We offer competitive pay rates, a diverse animal collection and an enriching work environment. We are looking for new team members dedicated to providing the best in animal welfare.

Job Summary:

The Mammals/Primates Swing Keeper position is a shared position between both the Primate department and the Mammal department. It’s a rare and exciting opportunity to obtain experience with a diverse group of mammals. This position provides support for three separately managed animal departments and the areas worked in a given week and/or day may change based on department needs. For more information about our animal, conservation, and research programs visit www.zooatlanta.org.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, SKILLS, AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Must be willing to support Zoo Atlanta’s strategic plan, mission and values, and work with all zoo staff to support these plans.

• Must be able to balance working on multiple routines and be flexible in moving between routines as required.

• Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection including training, enrichment, research, and education.

• Complete behavioral management training provided by Zoo Atlanta and utilize operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.

• Complete animal welfare training provided by Zoo Atlanta, participate in animal welfare assessments, and contribute to follow-through on animal welfare action items when necessary.

• Effectively monitor health and behavior of the animal collection and communicate changes to supervisor and veterinary staff. Oversee administration of medications as applicable.

• 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.

• Maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures.

• Maintain a high-performance level of guest interactions including scheduled on-ground talks.

• Positively promote and foster work that improves department function and productivity.

• Communicates effectively with supervisory staff and co-workers both written and orally.

• Write daily reports, logs, animal records, and other records as assigned.

• Oversee activities of interns and volunteers.

• Must be able and willing to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays.

• Must be able to be trained and carry pepper spray if working dangerous animals.

• Must be willing to comply with department PPE policy.

• 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.

Experience and Skills:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior related animal care experience is strongly preferred. Paid experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.

• Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques is preferred.

• Must have the ability to: demonstrate focus, follow written verbal instructions, effectively promote organization, manage stress to perform the job effectively, remember details, manage time effectively, apply critical thinking techniques, analyze, and solve problems.

• Demonstrate computer proficiency to complete the functions of this position.

• Must be able 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 with a safe driving record.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and have the physical ability to perform strenuous work.

• Must have the ability to bend, stoop, kneel for an extended period of time.

• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.\

PERKS:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other supplemental insurance

• Relocating stipend for qualifying new employees

• Retirement Savings Plan (403b) with employer match after 12 months of service

• Paid time off includes vacation, sick and personal days plus holidays

• Tuition assistance program

• Employee Assistance Program

• Employee short term and long-term disability insurance paid for by Zoo Atlanta

• Opportunities for professional development paid for by Zoo Atlanta

• Local discounts and free admission to partnering attractions

• Complimentary family Zoo membership

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.