Animal Keeper-Hoofstock

Lincoln Park Zoological Society • Full-time • Chicago, Illinois, United States • USD $31 / hour • 1m ago

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under general supervision, participates in all aspects of daily animal care and enclosure maintenance of the zoo’s Hoofstock area, comprising Grevy’s zebra, Sichuan takin, Chacoan peccary, Pere David’s deer, and alpaca. This position works in a team atmosphere that strives to continuously provide progressive, high standards of care to ensure animal health, safety, and well-being.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provides daily care to animals and their enclosures. Including, but not limited to cleaning, feeding, watering, securing, observing, animal training and enrichment, record keeping and maintaining exhibits
Participates in daily operant conditioning training sessions, working with teams to advance program in alignment with established goals for species behavior and wellbeing. This includes developing training plans and completing training records
Advances behavioral enrichment program by planning, implementing and evaluating enrichment activities
Participates in welfare discussions and assessments as assigned, implementing welfare action items as needed
Promotes and contributes to a positive and productive work environment
Collects ZooMonitor data as assigned
Tasks may include heavy manual and skilled work such as moving and manipulating heavy food items, hoses, bales of hay, equipment and crated animals
Advances zoo mission through collaboration with horticulture, conservation & science, development, learning and community engagement programs as assigned.
Assist in delivery of education programs formally through Learning Department, and informally through interaction with zoo guests; conducting tours and participating in research projects as needed
Cleans and maintains animal exhibits including use of chemical agents and special tools which are used to ensure the health and safety of the animals
Under supervision, maintains excellence in exhibit display including furnishing, landscape maintenance, modifying and performing minor repairs and upkeep as appropriate
Prepares and distributes prescribed animal diets as determined by senior animal management staff
Under supervision, administers therapeutics as prescribed by the veterinarian
Monitors health of animals on a daily basis, and reports anything abnormal or problematic to the management team without delay
Makes recommendations regarding diet change, habitat redesign and related matters and taking steps to accomplish the same
Prepares detailed written daily reports and completes all assigned record keeping in TRACKS record keeping system
Monitors the condition of habitats, equipment and facilities and communicates work order requests and emergency repairs as needed
Maintains clean and safe work environment
Maintains an inventory of tools and supplies
Adheres to established animal handling and related safety guidelines
Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures. Under supervision, captures, restrains, and transports animals
Jobs may require coordination with other zoo departments
Promotes a positive guest experience
Support lead/assistant lead during the training of new staff, temporary keepers, etc

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Keepers assigned to evening or night shift will devote their time for animal observations and other assigned duties
May have direct responsibility for a specialized aspect of assigned animals
Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations
Work necessary hours as requested including all shifts, weekends, holidays, and special events

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of current industry standard husbandry practices and methods
Knowledge of animal behavior and natural history; common environmental enrichment and animal training practices; biology and related subjects
Knowledge of animal behavior as an indication of general health, reproductive potential and wellbeing
Knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the safe work practices to employ while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals
Knowledge of materials, methods, tools and equipment used in cleaning operations
Skill in making thorough observations and documenting observations
Ability to keep comprehensive and accurate records according to established procedures
Strong oral and written communications skills
Ability to both give and follow oral and written directions effectively
Ability to give and receive constructive feedback
Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all projects
Ability to work in any of the assigned animal areas fulfilling all requirements of the title
Ability to exercise sound judgement in analyzing animal behavior problems or emergency situations, and to respond with appropriate action
Ability to work with and be comfortable around potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species
Ability to work with potentially dangerous machinery, animal handling tools, squeeze cages, chemicals, and/or medications
Ability to interact courteously, respectfully and productively with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors, and general public
Knowledge of basic computer programs/software (Word, Excel, and Internet/Intranet navigation)

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from a high school or the equivalent (GED) is required.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Biological Sciences (i.e. Biology, Zoology, Ecology) or a closely related discipline is preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Previous experience performing animal care activities in a zoo, aquarium or like institutions is highly desirable.
Experience in designated taxonomic area preferred.
Experience and proficiency in animal training using operant conditioning techniques and goal-based enrichment is preferred

Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills, and ability required may qualify an individual.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time
Ability to regularly perform a variety of physical tasks that include but are not limited to climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, crawling
Physical strength, including ability to frequently move up to fifty (50) pounds
Ability to work in small, confined spaces
Ability to work in all weather conditions
Ability to wear requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that may include rubber/latex gloves, steel-toed boots/shoes, face shields, eye goggles
No allergy related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to work
No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch balance and ability of movement that might interfere with ability to work
Ability to maintain immune response to exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases
Ability to swim may be required for some positions

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Available to work all necessary hours, including weekends, holidays, special events and all shifts.
Available to attend on-ground training sessions as needed
A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is preferred
Proof of negative TB test

OUR PROMISE

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

In addition to such standard benefits (Blue Cross Blue Shield) as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full time employees):

Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!

Salary: $31.06/hr