Job Description:
Job Title: Lead Keeper
Department: Ambassador Animals - World of Wild Theater
Reports to: Curatorial Staff
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Status: Full-time
Who we are: Minutes from downtown, Zoo Atlanta is the
oldest and one of the most respected cultural destinations in the
Southeast’s largest and most vibrant city. Culture, dining, nightlife,
and famously eclectic neighborhoods, not to mention a temperate
climate year-round, attract a growing number of newcomers to the
one-and-only Atlanta. Atlanta is known as the "City in the
Trees," with the Zoo and surrounding neighborhood showcasing why.
The zoo is in a strong financial position and is committed to
investing in our staff and facilities to continue our focus on animal
care, research, and conservation. We offer competitive pay rates, a
diverse animal collection and an enriching work environment. We are
looking for new team members dedicated to providing the best in animal welfare.
What we offer: As a workplace, Zoo Atlanta is very proud of a
commitment to diversity and inclusion and a competitive compensation
and benefits package. Benefits include but are not limited to
outstanding medical coverage and 403b retirement program match;
vacation time buy and sell; professional development training; paid
time off for community volunteering; and more.
Perks for this full-time position include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other supplemental insurance
- Relocating stipend for qualifying new employees
- Retirement Savings Plan (403b) with employer match after 12 months
of service
- Paid time off includes vacation, sick and personal days plus holidays
- Tuition assistance program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee short term and long-term disability insurance paid for by
Zoo Atlanta
- Opportunities for professional development paid for by Zoo Atlanta
- Local discounts and free admission to partnering attractions
- Complimentary family Zoo membership
- Discounted pricing on individual and family education programs,
such as Safari Camp, Twilight Trek, NightCrawler, Survival Safari, and much more!
- Join the standby list for free behind-the-scenes
encounters with elephants, lemurs, giant pandas, aldabra tortoises!
Who you are: The Lead Keeper is a supervisory
position that also plays an active role in regular animal husbandry.
Lead Keepers are responsible for implementing departmental activities
and staff training for the area. The Lead Keeper is responsible for
overseeing animal husbandry, including training and enrichment.
Additionally, lead keepers are responsible for maintenance of
habitats, holdings, and public areas as assigned. Working with the
area curators, the Lead Keeper is required to provide and promote
positive leadership in a team environment. The Lead Keeper reports to
the area curators as part of a cohesive management team. For more
information about our animal, conservation, and research programs
visit www.zooatlanta.org. The World of Wild Theater is
home to roughly 14 birds including parrots, raptors, and exotics. Most
of these residents perform behaviors in a free flight environment
through presentations and demonstrations. The Lead Keeper is
responsible for day-to-day management of these birds and manages,
along with curator team, two primary keepers, an annual seasonal
keeper, some cross trained keepers, and interns throughout the year.
Presentations are seasonal, with high season being a scripted
performance that features birds’ natural abilities.
How to apply: Please apply directly on the Zoo Atlanta Careers
website at www.zooatlanta.org/careers
ESSENTIAL DUTIES, SKILLS, AND RESPONSIBILITES:
- Effectively monitor health and behavior of the animal collection
and communicate changes to supervisor and veterinary staff. Oversee
administration of medications as applicable.
- Coordinate in the collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of
the collection including, but not limited to, training, enrichment,
research, and education.
- Complete behavioral management training and both utilize and model
operant conditioning and enrichment techniques.
- Actively participate in the improvement of area policies,
procedures and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care for
the collection and the safety of staff and guests.
- Demonstrate initiative towards continually improving advanced
keeper dutiesincluding excellent animal care and guest interactions.
- Use strong interpersonal skills to form and maintain positive
relationships within the work environment and the ability to foster
these skills in others.
- Demonstrate leadership through example by fully supporting Zoo
Atlanta’s strategic plan, mission and values, and work with all zoo
staff to support these plans.
- Positively promote and foster work that improves department
function and productivity to exceed standards as well as using
leadership to promote a team environment.
- Demonstrate the ability to positively manage keeper staff,
volunteers and interns.
- Demonstrate the ability to meet challenges with a solution
oriented approach.
- Actively pursue opportunities to participate in workshops,
seminars, activities and conferences aimed at continually improving
job knowledge and professional development with the goal of
benefitting the Zoo Atlanta organization.
- Promote communication and information sharing between the
zoological community.
- Represent Zoo Atlanta by participating in AZA programs, TAGs,
SSPs, studbooks, etc.
- Responsible for special projects, procedures, and goals set forth
by the Curator or Assistant Curator.
- Support Zoo Atlanta’s conservation and research initiatives.
- Must be dependable and willing to work flexible hours, weekends
and holidays.
- Supervision will be required of not only keeper staff, but also
adult volunteers and interns.
- The ability to use light power tools after suitable training.
- Good communication skills, an enthusiasm for interacting with the
public and a willingness to give regular talks to guests, special
groups, etc.
- While the Lead Keeper must be able to function as a team member,
they also must be willing and able to provide necessary leadership
and mentoring to staff.
- This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive;
therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably
related duties as assigned by management.