PT Animal Keeper - Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Minimum Requirements

Two or four year degree in Zoology, Biology, Natural Resources or similar field of study or currently working towards a degree. Experience with animal care and education programs at a zoo or similar institution is desired.  Desired traits include reliability, good communication and observation skills and availability on weekends.

Job Duties

The primary purpose of this position is to further the museum’s mission of being the premier regional provider of interactive science learning experiences. This is accomplished by helping the museum maintain and display a high quality indoor zoo. This position assists the museum in maintaining our animal care to the highest possible level following all AZA accreditation standards, state and federal guidelines. Furthermore this position will help educate guests by presenting educational animal shows and interactive opportunities.

Job duties are as follows:

• Animal husbandry, including: cleaning animal habitats, preparing and feeding out diets, creating and providing enrichment, and assisting with operant conditioning training.
• Present educational programs utilizing live animals.
• Ability to follow required animal/staff safety and training protocols.
• Provide input and participate in museum/department conservation initiatives.
• Record notes in daily reports, feed charts, weight charts, etc.
• Provide input on animal health and behavior issues and medicate animals as needed.
• Observe animals for abnormal behaviors and/or illness.
• Clean public areas of animal exhibits.
• Work evening museum events and rentals as needed.
• Provide quality guest experience and customer service for museum visitors.
• Work with and serve as a job mentor for museum interns and volunteers both youth and adult.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Functions

This is a physically demanding job. The person in this position frequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 25-50 pounds.  The position requires frequent standing, walking, stooping and crouching for extended periods of time. 

Language Skills                                        

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Reasoning Ability                                                     

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited or no standardization exits.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 

Computer Skills                                             

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of and be able to use basic Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), Microsoft Outlook;   Knowledge of and ability to use ZIMS software is a plus but not required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  The employee may occasionally be required to climb or use ladders. Specific vision abilities required by this job include:  close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  The employee must be able to use a variety of soaps and cleaning agents with necessary safety equipment.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, and possible zoonotic diseases; the noise level in the work environment may occasionally be loud.

The employee is required to comply with all safety equipment provided for the work including gloves, boots, and aprons.  

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Organization provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, or any other protected factor in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, employee development, transfer, promotion, compensation, and corrective action.

Experience Required

Two or four year degree in Zoology, Biology, Natural Resources or similar field of study or currently working towards a degree. Experience with animal care and education programs at a zoo or similar institution is desired. 

Salary

$11-$12 commensurate with experience