Cleans and maintains animal exhibits and service areas using chemical agents and special tools to assure the health and safety of the animals.

Prepare and distribute animal diets according to approved guidelines developed by the zoo curator.

Performs regular maintenance to animal environments by collecting, installing and maintaining furnishings and substrata to maximize the public viewing of the animal and to depict its natural environment.

Monitors and records health of animals with observation and periodic physical exams, monitors eating habits, behaviors and reproductive patterns.

Observes and interprets normal and abnormal behaviors, health status, and food consumption; advises managers of problems or concerns.

Supervises and assigns work to zoo volunteers and interns scheduled in keeper’s area of responsibility; assists zoo education in training and evaluation of volunteers.

Maintains comprehensive records, reports, and training plans, handles routine correspondence from zoo colleagues and the public maintains food, supply and equipment inventory.

Reviews available library resources and develops a working knowledge of the in-situ and ex-situ biology of all species in assigned areas.

Conducts fecal, water chemistry and minor blood tests and other laboratory procedures.

Assists zoo veterinarian in the evaluation, examination and treatment of zoo animals; administers medications and provides first aid to injured zoo animals or wildlife until veterinary help arrives.

Monitors and reports physical plan problems and fire/safety hazards; trained in CPR, first aid and crisis response, may discharge pepper spray or firearms.

Assists other park managers with resident wildlife problems within the resort, may include trapping, relocations or euthanasia of sick or nuisance wildlife in accordance with state and federal laws and AVMA and AZA guidelines.

Provides for the psychological well-being of the animal collection by practicing, documenting and evaluating enrichment; recognizes and addresses abnormal or stereotypical behaviors, and applies the principles of operant conditioning to facilitate animal husbandry and veterinary procedures.

Possesses sufficient strength, delicacy, agility and coordination to restrain, capture and/or transfer neonates, fragile or injured animals, or large and strong animals.

Works with animal care, zoo education and veterinary staffs to determine and prioritize enrichment and training needs.

Teaches operant conditioning techniques and terminology to approved staff, volunteers and interns.

Identifies and works to reduce/eliminate stero-typic or abnormal behaviors.

Strives to improve visibility and increase normal activity levels of exhibited animals.

Works with zoo curators to develop animal shows and keeper features, and public interaction of enrichment efforts.

Facilitates keeper’s implementation of an enrichment program by collection and disseminating needed literature, devices, and supplies.

Works with part horticulture staff in the identification and acquisition of safe browse materials.

Develops zoo-wide record keeping system for enrichment and training.

Develops and documents formal evaluation of training and enrichment program.

Monitors AZA and USDA enrichment and training requirements and assures zoo compliance.

Works with local college psychology interns conduction zoo projects and research.

Maintains relevant reading and audio-visual materials in zoo library.

Keeps abreast of zoo enrichment and training philosophies and methods and contributes to the field.

May hand rear neonates at home and/or return to the zoo at night to care for sick or newborn animals.

Assists in providing informational, promotional and educational programs to visitors and volunteers; may give tours to assist with training classes.

Follows written and oral instructions.

Adheres to the code of professional ethics of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Interact with the public with a cheerful and positive attitude, solve guest problems and complaints in a proper manner, and maintain harmonious working relationships with fellow employees.

Oglebay

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