Zookeeper 1 (PT Swing Keeper)

The Red River Zoo is currently recruiting to fill part-time vacancies (Swing Zookeeper I). We are seeking highly motivated, personable individuals with strong leadership skills and innovative ideas to become part of a dynamic team of employees with a strong commitment to providing excellent care for our animal collection and positive experiences for our visitors!

General Description :   Swing Keepers are trained in and expected to maintain relevance in all animal sections at the Red River Zoo. Primary responsibilities include daily husbandry and welfare for assigned species and their habitats, positive and professional public interaction, and interdepartmental cooperation.

Key Duties and Responsibilities (Zookeepr I) :

• Follows established animal husbandry protocols.
• Ensures animal habitats are cleaned daily and maintained for optimal health and safety of animal collection, and in accordance with USDA and AZA requirements.
• Daily inspection of assigned areas.
• Ensures animal habitats provide a positive and professional public appearance.
• Provide for animals’ dietary needs based on protocols established by the General Curator and the Attending Veterinarian.
• Incorporates enrichment program into daily animal care and records enrichment activities in daily log.
• Incorporates operant conditioning program into daily animal husbandry.
• Daily observation for detection and prevention of disease.
• Able to observe and interpret changes in animal behavior and other indicators of health and welfare and both record these using ZIMS and notify appropriate staff.
• Able to identify safely concerns for animals, staff, or the public and report them properly.
• Clean and maintain the zoo commissary, food storage areas such as hay barn or supply rooms, and shared office areas; assist with unloading supplies from delivery trucks.
• Supervision of volunteers and interns as directed.
• Represents Red River Zoo in a professional manner.
• Makes recommendations and shares ideas for improvement to the General Curator.
• Manages time efficiently.
• Maintain lawn and landscaping within animal habitats; able to safely operate lawn and maintenance equipment; assist horticulture staff with landscaping outside of animal exhibits.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the zoo management team on specific departmental needs or zoo wide needs and responsibilities, work collaboratively with other zoo staff and departments.
• Assists with tours and events as directed.
• Makes minor exhibit repairs and improvements.

Experience Required

Education and Experience :