Animal Keeper - Specialist - Reptiles and Amphipians - AZA : Job Details

The Philadelphia Zoo

Animal Keeper - Specialist - Reptiles and Amphipians

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA

TITLE: ANIMAL KEEPER - Specialist

DEPARTMENT: ANIMAL

CLASSIFICATION: FULL-TIME REGULAR - UNION - Performance-Based

DESCRIPTION: Specialist Keepers are responsible for all aspects of animal husbandry with a strong focus on enrichment development and implementation, positive reinforcement-based operant conditioning, and improving overall animal welfare. In addition, creating and implementing engaging and interactive experiences relating to the Zoo's animal collection for on and offsite audiences make up a significant component of the Specialist's daily routine. Specialist Keepers are expected to be experts on the taxa within their assigned area, and should be proficient in all runs within their designated area. Specialists may be assigned to perform any or all of the duties listed in the Husbandry Keeper job description, and must be able to work all Keeper assignments within their team. Works in cooperation with Animal Managers to achieve established facility/institutional operational standards and goals. Acquires and maintains functional knowledge about the animal collection, Zoo policies and procedures, and facilities. Works in cooperation with Animal Managers, Husbandry Keepers, Building Liaisons and Assistant Keepers to achieve high-quality animal care, facility and operational standards. Interacts with guests routinely and through enhanced programs. Performs related work as assigned. Reports to Animal Managers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

* Animal well-being

Job duties include but are not limited to:

* Cleans/disinfects animal enclosures and other animal-related areas in accordance with Zoo standards/policies and other identified standards of sanitation (e.g. USDA, AZA).

* Develops, implements and evaluates goal-oriented enrichment opportunities utilizing the SPIDER model or other approved enrichment model.

* Conceptualizes, develops, and prepares for implementation of feeding strategies that encourage natural behaviors, for use both on/off exhibit.

* Develops effective training plans and acts as primary trainer for behavioral husbandry and guest engagement goals.

* Responsible for regular monitoring of animal well-being, using Zoo-defined frameworks such as Five Domains (Health, Nutrition, Environment, Mental, Behavior); is proactive and anticipatory in changes in that may affect animal wellness. Provides information and suggestions to maintain the highest level of animal well-being.

* Ensures the environment within holding spaces and exhibits supports species' natural history and behavioral needs, including: horticulture, substrate, furnishings.

* May play primary and/or oversight role in furnishing exhibits. Cleans/disinfects animal enclosures and other animal-related areas in accordance with Zoo standards/policies and other identified standards of sanitation (e.g. USDA, AZA).

* With other keepers, plans use of all enclosures and trail systems to optimize functionality to advance level of animal well-being.

* Participates in, and may lead where applicable, Zoo's holistic well-being assessments (annual, targeted, event-based, and other); may initiate assessment processes as concerns are noticed or expressed.

* Assists in development of PZG birthing/incubation/hatching plans and hand-rearing protocols.

* Conducts behavioral observations of animals as needed or assigned, including remote viewing, utilizing basic ethogram or other models.

* Maintains plants and furnishings/features in and around exhibits and other animal enclosures, such as but not limited to perches, rocks, logs, nest-boxes/dens, pools, moats, planters etc. through replacement, installation or cleaning.

* Prepares, distributes and records consumption of animal food in accordance with policies and procedures. Communicates animal food consumption or weight changes with Director of Nutrition and area Curator. Communicates with Director of Nutrition and area Curator to request diet modifications, if necessary.

* Receives, stores, moves and inventories food and other supplied related to the nutrition program.

* Implements species-appropriate variation in presentation of diet in accordance with enrichment plans.

* Maintains physical environment of exhibits and other animal-related areas to meet animal physical and psychological needs.

* Assists in the capture, crating and transfer of animals and participates in shipping and receiving of specimens as needed.

* Conducts regular observation of animals for health and social and reproductive behavior.

* May work with venomous reptiles (Herp team).

* May make recommendations and provide input regarding design of Zoo exhibits and facilities and participate in installation/construction of exhibits and materials.

* Veterinary

Job duties include but are not limited to:

* Implements and maintains treatment plans, quarantine and other preventive health programs, and zoonotic disease transmission prevention programs as prescribed by veterinary staff and animal managers.

* Acts as administrator of animal medications and ensures med sheets are in compliance.

* Assists in pest control.

* Identifies and removes toxic plants commonly found on Zoo grounds.

* Reports changes to animal behavior or movement as related to veterinary concerns to supervisor and veterinarians.

3.Guest Engagement

Job duties include but are not limited to:

* Generally, responsible for development and implementation of public programs and guest experiences in assigned team.

* Dedicates a significant portion of daily time budget front-of-house in scheduled and unscheduled guest engagement. Seeks out opportunities to offer additional guest engagement on special occasions, events, and high capacity days. Solo, or with other staff, presents keeper talks and other experiences with and without live animals and consistent with the Zoo's messaging, philosophy and operating procedures. As assigned, creates and leads back-of-house and other special experiences for a variety of audiences. May lead or participate in off-site programs.

* Plans use of all enclosures and trail systems to ensure highest level of guest experience in collaboration with Husbandry Keepers, Swing Keepers and Building Liaisons (while also achieving animal care goals).

* May deliver presentations and training for Guest Engagement and other departments.

* Prepares exhibits and buildings to meet established opening times. Reports deviations from standard schedule to supervisor.

* Interacts routinely and positively with visitors and other Zoo constituents about the Zoo and animals in their care.

* Participates in Zoo-related education, membership and public programs including, but not limited to, facility tours, feeding demonstrations, Keeper Chats, etc.; may collaborate with curatorial and education staff to develop such programs.

* Uses information provided through memos, meetings, etc. to keep informed of zoo activities relevant to visitors.

* Shares area expertise internally and externally through brown bags, professional conferences, or authoring articles.

* Participates in surprise and delight / putty list experiences for guests.

* Communicates such with Conservation Education and Guest Engagement teams.

* Facility maintenance

Job duties include but are not limited to:

* Inspects exhibits and facilities, daily or per established procedures, and takes necessary action to assure that they are secure, clean, well-lit and properly heated and ventilated; promptly reports situations outside the control of keepers to Animal Managers.

* Maintains cleanliness and organization of indoor and outdoor storage areas and other areas adjacent to animal facilities, and other areas as assigned.

* Makes minor, routine and emergency repairs necessary to animal management and exhibition. For major repairs, completes necessary work orders.

* May provide temporary supervision of contractors and maintenance staff working within animal areas.

* Maintains working knowledge of life support and other equipment in facility.

* Assists in receiving, storing, moving and inventory of supplies related to the care and maintenance of the Zoo collection and facilities.

* Safety

Job duties include but are not limited to:

* Through actions, protects own safety in the workplace and supports the safety of others.

* Communicates any and all safety concerns to Curators or Assistant Curators in an expedient manner.

* Complies with all safety SOPs and JHAs.

* Reports all near misses to management and Health and Safety Committee.

* Reads and signs off on all required safety training courses (ZIMS, SOPS, JHAs).

* Assures that keepers training in area are given appropriate instruction on critical general operational issues (e.g. location of safety equipment, egress routes, emergency procedures and phone numbers).

* Maintains current knowledge of Zoo, departmental, and area policies and procedures relevant to daily activities and emergencies.

* Is responsible for security of animals and facilities; promptly reports potential safety hazards affecting animals or humans to the appropriate parties (e.g. Curator, Assistant Curator, Maintenance, Security).

* Has reviewed and is knowledgeable of all Animal Department and area safety practices and protocols; follows departmental protocols. Responds appropriately in standard operating procedures with dangerous animals, emergency situations and drills.

* Has reviewed and follows institutional safety protocols and emergency procedures. Understands role in reporting potential hazards (as spotted) and maintains safe work practices. (Learning Zen Courses)

* Proactively communicates any safety issues and concerns with a solution-oriented perspective. Contributes to a safe environment by reporting potential hazards (as spotted) and maintaining safe work practices. Is transparent and forward with near misses and mistakes in the pursuit of improvement of the overall operation and safety.

* Assists in emergency situations.

* Record Keeping / Communication

Job duties include but are not limited to:

a.Ensures that building and animal records are accurate, up-to-date and completed on time.

b.Ensures all animal training and enrichment activities are planned and recorded appropriately.

* Communicates animal experience putty list opportunities with Conservation Education and Guest Engagement Teams

* Assists Curators and Assistant Curators with inputting animal training or enrichment news or fun facts to Guest Engagement.

* May assist with postings on ZooNet.

* May assist with Animal Keeper Blogs.

* Work with Communications Team on television, print or radio interviews as assigned.

* As per established protocols, enters information relating to changes in the collection, significant behavior or behavioral changes, breeding, diet, fecal output and quality, veterinary care, etc. on daily keeper reports and in animal record.

* Identifies work order needs to maintain the integrity of the workplace, with guest, keeper and animal safety as top priorities. Communicates necessary work orders, status, and assessments of completion to Animal Managers.

* Responsible for keeping supervisor informed of issues that affect the operation of the area, the animal collection, the facility, etc.

* Responds to requests about long term projects in team areas and assists supervisor in maintaining a list of those projects.

* Completes other written materials as requested, including ADT forms, husbandry surveys, etc.

* Through daily logs and/or other established mechanisms, communicates additional information important to other keepers working in the same building/team.

* Provides information that may affect the health or wellbeing of the animal collection to the appropriate supervisor, veterinarian, or nutritionist in an expedient manner.

* Maintains organization of and accessibility to records (animal, facility, maintenance).

* Participates in all animal care meetings, team meetings and one on one meetings with supervisors as requested (both in person and virtually).

* Regularly reads and responds to email communications.

* Animal and Related Knowledge

Job duties include but are not limited to:

* Continues to upgrade knowledge of animal species in assigned area(s), including natural history, husbandry, enrichment, and individual information, through use of on-site materials and formal and informal training programs and opportunities.

* Demonstrates knowledge regarding natural history and husbandry of all species under responsibility that is related to job function and assignments.

* Maintains knowledge of modern zoological practices.

* Demonstrates an understanding of AZA and Zoo conservation initiatives.

* May participate in career development opportunities and course work or continuing education programs.

* May assist in research programs as assigned. May initiate and implement research projects under direction of curatorial staff.

* Maintains basic working knowledge of AZA and USDA standards of animal care.

* Professionalism and Personal Accountability

* Aligns with the zoos core values. Engages in professional manner by acting with integrity, consistency with words and actions, open and honest communication, and tactful interactions with all zoo staff members, visitors, and constituents on all platforms.

* Aligns with the Philadelphia Zoo's Animal Care Team Grounding Form in all aspects of performance.

* Promotes cooperation and collaboration within team by supporting colleagues to achieve team goals through information sharing, good time management skills, and facilitating safe and successful on-boarding.

* Values differences in people. Promotes the integration and belonging of co-workers on their team and to the zoo.

* Flexible; easily adjusts to changes in routine and applies feedback. Open-minded and dynamic in evaluating the potential for continual improvement. Demonstrates the ability to be a change agent and acts to allow for personal and team growth.

* Clocked in and ready to work at areas assigned start time. This includes being professionally dressed in a clean uniform with keys and ID badge.

* Practices good time management. Is able to manage time wisely throughout the day and complete area responsibilities by end of work day.

* Communicates with curators and seeks pre-approval for overtime.

* Uses sick and annual leave in accordance with zoo policy.

* Completes Learning Zen, PACES and other assigned coursework on time and without further prompting.

* Miscellaneous

Job duties include but are not limited to:

* Participates in Zoo-wide conservation initiatives and contributes to the Zoo's Conservation Mission.

* As appropriate to specific role and knowledge, provides training and instruction to assistant keepers, interns and others as assigned in all aspects of animal care and facility operation.

* Maintains good standing with and signs off as understanding all required related training such as, but not limited to, ZIMs, assigned Learning Zen coursework (safety, zoonotic disease, etc.), SOPs, JHAs and others as required.

* Performs related work as assigned.

TEAM OPERATIONS EXPECTATIONS

* All keeper staff report to Animal Managers

* Specialists, Building Liaisons and Husbandry Keepers will act as backups for one another and will perform the duties of other positions as needed to cover for annual leave, sick leave etc.

* Swing Keepers will work as relief for Specialists, Building Liaisons and Husbandry Keepers and will perform the duties of other positions as needed to cover for annual leave, sick leave etc. and as assigned by area supervisor.

* Specialists, Building Liaisons and Husbandry Keepers and are assigned to a specific team (ie: Primates and Small Mammals, Carnivores, Ungulates, KidZooU, Birds, Reptiles and Amphibians).

* Specialists, Building Liaisons and Husbandry Keepers will be assigned to a primary area / building, but they will also maintain their training and knowledge of other areas within their team to allow for better coverage.

* Specialists will work closely with the Curator of Behavioral Husbandry and their team Curator to implement approved training and enrichment plans and will work with Husbandry Keepers and Building Liaisons on the maintenance of training and enrichment plans.

* Specialist, Building Liaisons and Husbandry Keepers will participate in animal training and enrichment and guest engagement including Keeper Chats, VIP tours, putty list opportunities, etc.

* Specialists, Building Liaisons and Husbandry Keepers will work as a team to care for the collection as a whole. All keepers will maintain open communications with one another and with their area managers.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY REQUIRED:

* Two-years experience with exotic animals in an AZA-accredited zoological park or equivalent plus a bachelor's degree in one of the life sciences. Additional appropriate experience may be considered as a substitute.

* Demonstrated knowledge of the exhibition and husbandry of exotic animals in the area. Demonstrated motivation and initiative in expanding knowledge of husbandry, exhibition and management of zoo specimens.

* Demonstrated understanding of AZA and Zoo conservation initiatives.

* Demonstrated knowledge of the hazards of working with zoo specimens and of safety precautions and security measures related to zoo specimens.

* Demonstrated interest in sharing information with visitors and other Zoo constituents on animal collection and the Zoo. Public speaking skills required.

* Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective and productive working relationships with fellow workers.

* Ability to clearly and accurately present oral and written information.

* Competency in Microsoft Office suite and general computer proficiency.

* Ability to perform work in accordance with policies and procedures and to adapt to change.

* Ability to stay well informed about the Zoo, its regulations, policies, operations, history, etc.

* Ability to make, communicate and implement reasoned decisions as appropriate.

* Professional appearance and manner. Wears approved Zoo issued uniforms that are clean, free of tears, rips or stains and is well-kept.

* Reptile keeper positions: must demonstrate competence working with venomous reptiles by completing the Philadelphia Zoo's Venomous Reptile Handling Training Program and by demonstrating knowledge of the written protocol established for venomous snakebite emergencies within 6 months after start date, or as requested by manager.

* Availability to work schedule as assigned, including weekends and before/after normal hours (ie: flex shifts, special events), acts as essential personnel during emergency events such as, but not limited to, emergency weather. Communicates with supervisor when reporting to or leaving work outside of scheduled hours.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL STANDARDS

GENERAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ANIMAL KEEPER:

* Successful completion of a medical screening, drug test and Mantoux tuberculin test prior to beginning work.

* Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.

* Able to safely move and transport up to 50 pounds.

* Able to work from heights or in confined spaces.

* Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.

* Ability to work around plants and animals.

* Ability to receive a rabies vaccine and awareness of possible exposure to other infectious and parasitic diseases which may be present in the animal collection.

* Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.

* Ability to ascend, descend and work from stairs and ladders, move under low objects.

* Ability to use and handle hooks, tongs, catch poles, nets and other animal handling equipment.

* Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person as well as through radios, phones and computers.

* Ability to drive Zoo vehicles.

* Able to handle possible exposure to extreme temperatures, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and hazardous chemicals and/or drugs. Use of protective clothing or equipment may be required for some tasks, including but not limited to, goggles, masks, gloves, braces, hats, gowns, boots, etc. Work in specific areas may require ability to use other protective gear (e.g. respirators)

TRAITS:

1. High EQ

2. Effective Listener

3. Respectful, fair and tactful

4. Curious and continuous learner

5. Collective under pressure

How to Apply

Please email a copy of your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

Also inlcude your Your Name - Reptile Specailist Keeper AZA in the subject line of the email.

The Philadelphia Zoo

3400 West Girard Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19104

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