ANIMAL KEEPER II (Animal Ambassadors)

The Position

Lindsay Wildlife Experience seeks a self-motivated, flexible and responsible individual capable of supporting the daily operations of the Animal Encounters (AE) Department. The AE staff are expected to work with a wide variety of animals, including birds of prey, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. The AE staff help support Lindsay’s interpretive program, participating in daily public programming and working alongside the Education Department to provide a high-quality guest experience.

Primary Responsibilities

Work with Curator, veterinary staff, animal keeper staff, animal husbandry volunteers and interns to ensure the highest standards of animal care.
Ensure compliance with USDA and Fish & Wildlife regulations.
Participate in daily husbandry, including handling, enrichment, training using operant conditioning and digital record keeping.
Participation in public programming using live animals; including daily exhibit hall programming and events on and off-site.
Facility maintenance (cleaning, equipment upkeep, organizational projects, maintaining naturalistic exhibits).
Accurate observation, evaluation and documentation of animal behaviors.
Maintain excellent written and verbal communication with co-workers, manager, director, and veterinary staff.
Must be willing to work weekends
Work in coordination with the other departments to represent Lindsay and its mission in a professional manner and with high quality customer service.
Eligible to work with venomous reptiles.
Assigned as a primary animal keeper for a group of animal ambassadors based on experience.
Responsible for developing and training of assigned animals and evaluating all activities with regards to husbandry, medical, enrichment, handling and public presentations.
Training of volunteers and interns on daily departmental tasks.
Acting as a keeper mentor for interns participating in our Animal Keeper internship program.
Participate in animal welfare assessments
Scheduling daily husbandry assignments for both staff and volunteers.
Assist with managing departmental supplies and major projects.
Serve on internal committees.

Qualifications

Must be 18 years of age or older.
Have a valid driver’s license.
Have a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in zoology, biology, or a related field required.
Have a minimum of 2 years of full-time equivalent paid experience in animal care and/or a combination of education and experience in an applied zoo keeping-focused program.
Have volunteer managerial experience (preferred). Does not have to be in a zoological setting.
Experience in researching, writing, and presenting ecological, biological, and environmental conservation topics to an audience of diverse ages.
Have experience with public speaking as it relates to informal environmental education is preferred.
Have experience training wild/exotic animals using operant conditioning.
Have excellent communication skills with staff, volunteers, and guests.
Exemplary verbal and written communication skills and ability to speak to diverse audiences.
Must be able to work independently and as part of a team of both staff and volunteers.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word/Excel and Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, etc.)
Must be willing to work some holidays and weekends.
Must be able to sustain prolonged bending, kneeling, standing, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Ability to manage multiple and complex responsibilities at the same time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Medium strength demands include exerting 20-50 pounds occasionally, 10- 25 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly. Requires handling, using vision and hearing, and talking.
Frequently requires standing, fine dexterity, walking, lifting, sitting, reaching, pushing/pulling, balancing, and twisting. Occasionally requires carrying, kneeling, foot controls, bending, and crouching. Rarely requires climbing.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Frequently requires time pressures, frequent change of tasks, irregular schedule/overtime, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working closely with others as part of a team, tedious or exacting work, and noisy/distracting environment. Rarely requires emergency situations.

OVERALL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.
Some office environment, as well as public exhibit hall programming, and frequent outdoor events and/or outreach sites.

Hours, Benefits & Compensation

Lindsay offers a competitive benefits package including paid sick time, vacation, 12 paid holidays + 3 floating holidays yearly, and 401K eligibility. Opportunities for professional development courses and training.
Non-exempt full-time position, 40-hours a week.
Weekly shifts are either Sunday – Thursday or Tuesday – Saturday.
Pay: $19 – $21/hour

Apply

To apply for this opportunity, send cover letter, resume, and three references to: [email protected]
- Put “Animal Keeper” in the subject line.
- No phone calls, please.
Submit all materials in PDF format with your first initial and last name in the document name. Example: JSmith_Resume.pdf
Automatic applications from websites, such as Indeed, will not be considered.
References will not be checked without permission.
Applications are open until position filled, with priority to applicants submitted on or before April 25, 2024

EEO Policy Statement

It is the policy of Lindsay Wildlife Experience to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state or local law.

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

The Lindsay Wildlife Experience requires all staff and volunteers to be fully vaccinated or to have a valid exemption request.

Position Availability

Open until filled.