Africa Keeper l

Brevard Zoo

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Position Overview

Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, the Brevard Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. It is also home to the Sea Turtle Healing Center for rehabilitation of wild marine turtles. Brevard Zoo is well-known for its strong conservation ethic and unique attractions, such as kayaking through the Africa area, giraffe feeding, and rhinoceros and various other animal encounters.

This position is responsible for the daily care of the animals in the Africa section of the Zoo – including husbandry, training, enrichment, and habitat maintenance. Animals in this area include giraffe, zebra, impala, ostrich, oryx, camel, bongo, southern white rhino, watusi, meerkat, lion, lemurs, a variety of avian species, and non-geographical animal assignments to include siamang. Must be able to work as an integral part of the zoo team and communicate effectively with co-workers, management, and guests.

Qualifications

Required

- One year of zoo keeping experience in a AZA accredited facility.

- Valid State of Florida driver’s license.

- Must be flexible with schedule including holidays, weekends, evenings, and during emergency situations.

- Must be willing to work in inclement weather including temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and high humidity.

Preferred/Desired

- Primate experience

- Large Cat experience

- Hoofstock experience

- Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in related field.

Performance Responsibilities

- Provide general husbandry for all animals in the Africa section. This includes cleaning animal habitats, preparing diets, training, enrichment, and observing animal health and welfare daily.

- Responsible for minor habitat repair and maintenance.

- Knowledgeable and comfortable working with all species in this area on a regular basis (training provided).

- Accurately maintain and complete daily records.

- Responsible for the training of additional staff and interns.

- Willing to work with and under the guidance of Animal Management to ensure Brevard Zoo’s standards of animal wellbeing are always being maintained.

Keeper 1 Level Requirements

- Identify enrichment needs for the animals on the run and provide behavior-based enrichment on a daily basis.

- Read all applicable husbandry manuals.

- Learn all maintenance behaviors for the animals on the team, utilize regularly and consistently, and appropriately record sessions in a timely manner.

- Participate in animal exams, monthly keeper training, learning strings, and animal identification.

- Take the following 4 classes: Animal Welfare, Training Techniques 1, Behavior-driven enrichment, and CPR.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

- Must have an excellent understanding of animal behavior and operant conditioning.

- Speaks intelligently and diplomatically with co-workers, volunteers, and guests.

- Initiates and writes accurate reports and manages assigned projects.

- Ability to follow all Zoo standard operation procedures.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

Physical Requirements

(H) Heavy Work
Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Potential Environmental Conditions / Hazards

- Outdoor environment most often with frequent movement indoors.

- Exposure to extreme heat and weather conditions.

- Requires Sitting, Standing, Walking, Bending, Stooping, Kneeling, Finger Dexterity, Talking, Hearing, and Visual Acuity frequently.

Work Schedule

May be required to work weekends and nights as necessary.

Travel

May be asked to travel.

The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Zoo’s policies on evaluation of personnel.

Brevard Zoo provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Brevard Zoo complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Brevard Zoo expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Brevard Zoo's employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.

Brevard Zoo will not tolerate retaliation against employees who raise concerns or who file a claim of discrimination whether through external agencies or through Brevard Zoo’s internal procedures.
Brevard Zoo is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive.

Brevard Zoo
Melbourne, FL 32940
Phone: 3212549453

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