The Akron Zoo has experienced remarkable success over the last two decades with tremendous attendance growth, strong financial sustainability, and an enviable record of repeated AZA accreditation certifications. This coupled with overwhelming community support demonstrated by the repeated passing of tax levy campaigns, which provide annual funding towards the Zoo’s operating and capital needs.
The Zoo is poised for continued growth and development having just completed new strategic, master, and conservation plans that outline several important projects including a new $25M+ African exhibit expansion which will add giraffe to the collection, a new animal hospital and increased resources directed to new conservation programs.
Job Description
With that as a canvas, the Akron Zoo is seeking a full-time, 40-hour per week Upper Avian Principal Keeper with excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a mature attitude for physical work (which includes climbing and walking on uneven terrain; entering and wading into pools; climbing hills, stairs and ladders; wearing PPE; lifting up to 50 lbs.; and working outside in all weather conditions, etc.). Candidates must possess a strong conservation ethic and exceptional interpersonal skills in order to provide high quality care for assigned areas.
Essential Job Functions:
- The Upper Avian Principal Wild Animal Keeper will be responsible for the overall care of the animals and spaces assigned to them. (Native Bird Aviary, Eagles, Snowy Owls, other Upper Zoo Aviary habitats – along with other areas/duties as assigned)
- They will be expected to guide and be involved in planning for all aspects of the lives of the animals on their principal routine; however, they will not necessarily always be the person to carry out every task. For example:
- With appropriate input from other keepers, they will be expected to be the primary authors of plans, protocols and background documents such as introduction plans, protocols regarding how a routine is serviced, natural history documents, ethograms, enrichment calendars, forms used for supplemental record keeping, etc.
- Employee must be able to act as a spotter in all Dangerous Animal areas and remain current on all 2-lock-2-key policies.
- Employees are expected to follow all area servicing guidelines and possess strong skills in record keeping.
Qualifications:
A four-year degree is strongly preferred; a minimum of an associate’s degree or equivalent is required. A minimum of six months of animal care experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred; also, a minimum of three years of progressive work experience is strongly preferred. Must be available weekends, holidays, and for a flexible schedule and must be able to meet all other requirements of the job.
This position is responsible for accomplishment of primary animal care, and all related duties in the Zoo.
Position: Full Time (40 hours per week) Upper Avian Principal Keeper
Current Starting Time: *** (Start time will change with season/programing)
Current Hours worked: *** (Hours worked will change with season/programming)
Hourly rate: Based on experience as per union contract
- Keeper I: $18.95/hour
- Keeper II: $20.95/hour
- Keeper III: $21.45/hour
Days off: Tuesday and Wednesday
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, this employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by his/her immediate supervisor. The Akron Zoo reserves the right to revise and change job duties as business requirements dictate.
The Akron Zoo is a Drug-Free Workplace and an EOE.
This is a Full-time, Non-Exempt, Collective Bargaining position with benefits. This position includes working weekends, holidays and evenings. Open until filled.