Job Description
Head Keeper - Jungle Trails Team
Description: This is a full-time (40 hours per week with benefits) Union keeper position, which is subject to the successful completion of a probationary (or trial period) and the deduction of union dues. Regular off-days Based on house seniority will be Monday-Tuesday. The area schedule consists of 5 8-hour days.
Summary: This position is a leadership role and is expected to support/oversee the Jungle Trails keeper team. This position encompasses skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures, and related facilities in the Jungle Trails Department. Animals within the area include species of prosimians, monkeys, and apes. Duties may include related tasks and/or unrelated duties as assigned.
Position Benefits:
Union negotiated pay rates, with a starting rate at $32.75/hour
We offer a highly competitive benefits package supporting our employees' Total Well-Being, including comprehensive & affordable medical, dental & vision coverage (starting the first day of the month following date of hire); free mental health counseling and coaching, 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off (200 PTO hours accrued throughout the first year of service, 80 of which are loaded into the PTO bank upon hire); company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes.
Organizational culture that highlights the following core values:
Collaborative Relationships
Pride, Passion, and a Sense of Ownership
Positivity and Energy
Accountability, Mutual Trust, and Respect
Progressive Thinking
Intentional professional development opportunities, for both animal care and "people" skills
Desired Qualifications, Skills & Abilities:
Demonstration of excellent communication and problem-solving skills, while applying good judgment, to deliver animal care and guest experiences that meet the highest standards
Demonstration of knowledge and successful experience in animal husbandry, operant conditioning, and understanding of modern zoological practices
The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers (including staff, interns, students and volunteers)
A degree in the biological sciences or related field
3 years of primate husbandry experience in an AZA institution preferred, with preference for:
Experience with chimpanzees and/or bonobos, with fission/fusion social management
Experience with new-world primates and/or mixed species habitat management
Operant conditioning experience with blood draw, cardiac ultrasound, and blood pressure behaviors for great apes is preferred
Knowledge of animal husbandry, operant conditioning, and understanding of modern zoological practices
Critical thinking capacity for decision making, with the ability to cultivate innovation within the team
Knowledge and understanding of animal training theory and applications
Ability to establish and maintain effective, high trust working relationships with colleagues
Ability to collaborate with the keeper team, respectfully supporting people to share opinions and encouraging people to actively engage in creating/pursuing area goals
Possession of a growth mindset, which engages in learning, collaboration, and action towards bettering animal welfare practices on a consistent basis
Resiliency to adapt to ever changing departmental needs
Desire to expand upon leadership skillsets to offer effective support for the team
Demonstration of effective emotional intelligence skill through realistic self-appraisal and self-confidence, which are highlighted through transparency, adaptability, and a generally optimistic attitude
Demonstration of effective emotional intelligence skills through empathy and cognition of the social environment, which are highlighted through effective influence within the team and concern for team member job satisfaction
Ability to flex leadership and communication styles to meet the needs of the keeper team and management team
Demonstration of balanced collaboration and decisiveness for team and animal management needs
Ability to challenge the process through open and respectful dialogue at all levels
Experience with outdoor habitat maintenance is preferred
***Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered***
Duties:
Performing the daily assignments of a keeper in the area (see area standard operating procedures for details)
Developing area schedules for the team
Supporting keeper staff in the same daily assignments, providing positive and developmental feedback where appropriate to ensure high standards of animal care and maintenance of all USDA & AZA standards
Maintaining awareness of keeper efficacy and developmental opportunities, to help inform keeper evaluations and development plans with the Zoological Manager
Ensuring the execution and maintenance of proper records of health, safety, behavior, enrichment, and operant conditioning programs by the team
Identifying area needs and submitting the appropriate work/purchase order requests
Collaborating with the CZBG nutritionist to make any necessary modifications to diets within the area, based on observations relating to food intake, increased awareness of natural history, and animal health needs
Assisting the Zoological Manager and Curator with hiring new team members
Facilitating the training of new personnel on standard operating procedures
Facilitating the training of new interns, students, and/or volunteers within the area
Assisting animal health and curatorial staff with the development and implementation of animal management strategies
Making decisions consistent with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden core values
Consistent contact with team members to facilitate open communication, development, and the pursuit of team goals
Maintaining consistent and effective communication with the Zoological Manager/Curator to represent area needs and support management goals
Delegating tasks, when appropriate, to facilitate professional development for keeper staff
Proactively finding opportunities to improve animal welfare and keeper job satisfaction
Maintaining productive and positive relationships throughout other CZBG departments
Maintaining consistent communication with the Zoological Manager and Curator to facilitate the above duties
Encouraging keeper team to share different perspectives, fostering healthy conversation and respectful relationships amongst the team
Synthesizing animal care team interests into a collective vision, with support from the management team
Holding themselves and team members accountable to animal care standard operating procedures, team goals, and the maintenance of a positive team culture
Holistically thinking about team goals, short- and long-term animal management plans, and professional development for staff
Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; bend; climb or balance; lift, grasp; and negotiate stairs and ladders. In addition, the employee may be exposed to Zoonosis, chemicals, and outside weather conditions; Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance; must possess a valid driver's license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle).
To apply for this position: Cover letter and resume should be included in your online application.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer
