Herps/Birds Swing Keeper
: Job Details :

The Philadelphia Zoo

Herps/Birds Swing Keeper

TITLE: ANIMAL KEEPER - Swing Keeper

DEPARTMENT: ANIMAL

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

Who We Are:

Philadelphia Zoo works to fulfill our mission as an animal care organization, as a resource to schools and families, and as an ark and advocate for endangered animals around the world.

What makes the Zoo a unique place to work? Whether you are involved with caring for animals, educating our visitors or working in a behind-the-scenes position in administration, maintenance or garden services, all of our positions share our institutional mission, purpose, and core values.

Who We Are Looking For:

Swing Keepers are responsible for all of the essential functions below with a strong focus on being flexible, having excellent time management, communication and interpersonal skills. They are support staff of the Team / Zone to which they are assigned. Swing Keepers may be assigned to any area within a Team / Zone based on need for coverage of FMLA, Annual / Sick Leave, special projects, staff training or to cover for those areas within their Team / Zone that are working short. Swing Keepers will collaboratively care for any temporary or traveling exhibits involving live animals that are installed on Zoo grounds. Swings will have designated runs or relief work as deemed appropriate by Animal Management when not in use as a Swing Keeper.

* Yellow Zone Swing reports to Curator of Carnivore and Ungulates and is assigned to specific areas within the Zoo to include African Plains, Carnivore Kingdom / Bear Country, Big Cat Falls and the South End.

* Blue Zone Swing reports to Curator of Primates and Small Mammals and is assigned to specific areas within the Zoo to include RACC and PECO.

* Green Zone Swing reports to the Director of Animal Nutrition and is assigned to KZU, Reptiles, Birds and the Commissary.

What You Will Do:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1.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).

* 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.

* Implements approved behavioral enrichment and behavioral management programs.

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

* In areas where live food items are stocked, provides daily care and sanitary maintenance of colonies.

* 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 hazardous animals when only if appropriately trained / certified.

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

2.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:

* 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 talks, 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.

* Assists Specialist Keepers with Keeper Chats in their absence.

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

* Communicates such with Conservation Education and Guest Engagement teams.

4.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, as assigned.

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

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

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

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

5.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.

6.Record keeping/Communication

Job duties include but are not limited to:

* 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.

* 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).

* May assist with postings on ZooNet.

* May assist with Animal Keeper Blogs.

* 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.

7.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

* Flexibility and teamwork skills are key attributes for this role.

* 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.

* 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 takes action 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.

9.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 relating 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.

What This Role Requires:

* Two-year 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 will 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.

* Demonstrates an 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).

Required Traits:

* High EQ

* Effective Listener

* Respectful, fair and tactful

* Curious and continuous learner

* Collective under pressure

What We Can Offer You:

* Competitive Pay - We recognize talent and we pay to keep it

* Medical, Dental, Vision -While you have our back on the grounds, we cover yours' with health insurance

* Annual Leave - We all need a break from time to time

* 401K - There will come a time, when you are ready to retire

* Family membership pass with complimentary tickets - (Warning: You will become a celebrity amongst your friends once they hear you work for America's 1st Zoo)

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply by emailing a copy of thier resume to ...@phillyzoo.org.

Please inlcude in the subject line, Herps/Birds Swing Keeper - YOUR NAME, AZA .

The Philadelphia Zoo

3400 West Girard Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19104

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