Animal Keeper - Primate Department (Multiple Positions)
Animal Keeper – Primate Department
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is known for many things- our conservation efforts, our green initiatives, our friendly staff… but did you know that we have a strong set of core values that make us the best team around, and a Top Workplace in Cincinnati? We're more than coworkers… we're family. By building Collaborative Relationships, displaying Positivity & Energy, having Pride, Passion & a Sense of Ownership, supporting Accountability, Mutual Trust & Respect, and embracing Progressive Thinking, we have built a team of dedicated staff that focuses on our visitors, our community & our future.
This is what we believe and how we act. If this gets you fired up, we look forward to having you join the team!
We are hiring for NEW positions added to each CZBG primate team!
Jungle Trails – Bonobos, Orangutans, Gibbons (multiple species), Gray's Guenon, Black Howler Monkeys, White-Faced Saki Monkeys, Golden Headed Lion Tamarin, Sifaka, Aye-Aye, Greater Galago, Potto, Pygmy Slow Lorises
Primate Center – 3 Gorilla Troops, Gibbons, Guereza Colobus, Lemur
Description: These are full-time (40 hours per week with benefits) Union keeper positions, which are subject to the successful completion of a probationary (or trial period) and the deduction of union dues. Regular off-days will be determined upon hire but will fall between Monday thru Friday. The area schedule consists of 4 10-hour days.
Summary: These positions encompass skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures, and related facilities in the Primate Department.
Position Benefits:
- Union negotiated pay rates, with a starting range between 22.27-28.65 per hour, determined by years of field experience.
- 200 PTO hours accrued throughout the first year of service, 80 of which is loaded into the PTO bank upon hire
- Competitive benefit packages and retirement matching programs
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Facility 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
Qualifications:
- 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
- Ability to understand and adhere to area safety policies and best 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, preferred
- 2 years of primate husbandry experience in an AZA institution, preferred
- 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:
- Clean animal displays, holding areas, service areas, public sections and grounds
- Complete inspection of all enclosures to ensure the safety of the animals
- Identify maintenance issues and correct or repair each as required, reporting non-correctable maintenance issues, including potential safety hazards, to the Team Leader and/or Zoological Manager
- Observe general animal health and behavior, on a daily basis, and report any abnormal circumstances to a supervisor
- Maintain records of health, behavior, enrichment, operant conditioning and visitor engagement
- Prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures for the animal collection
- Perform operant conditioning and enrichment programs in assigned areas
- Instruct new personnel in the proper methods of animal care and handling consistent with approved policies and procedures
- Assist in the training, supervision, evaluation of volunteers, interns, and vocational students, as needed
- Assist animal health and curatorial staff with animal handling, capture, restraint, transport and medication administration
- Support visitor engagement programs
- Interact with the public and Zoo staff in a professional and courteous manner
- Make decisions consistent with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden policies and procedures when required
- Perform daily duties in all sections of assigned department as required
- Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; climb or balance and grasp objects. In addition, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions; Must be able to lift & move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance; possess a valid driver's license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle).
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, 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes.
To Apply: Cover letter and resume should be attached to your online application
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/protected veterans
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
PI283427545
