Zookeeper

**Purpose**:
Zookeepers are responsible to provide day to day care of the animals and animal holdings. The responsibilities associated with this position include ensuring husbandry programs and protocols are followed as prescribed by the Animal Care Manager. Implement routines and schedules that will facilitate successful behavioral husbandry programs including animal enrichment and conditioning. Zookeepers will also be considered ambassadors for the animals and will be required to participate in animal / guest experiences, talks, shows and guided tours both on and off the zoo site.

**Critical Success Factors**:

- Working knowledge and understanding of the CAZA and ZAA Code of Ethics, CAZA Standards for Accreditation, CAZA Population Management guidelines and Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General Animal Welfare System.
- Ability to work effectively with mínimal supervision.
- Be effective in handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective, efficient and cooperative relationships with employees, senior management, vendors and customers.
- Works well in stressful, high pressure situations.

**Overall Expectations**:

- Ensure current diets and feeding methods are being executed correctly on a daily basis
- Assist with capture and restraint as well as veterinary visits when asked
- Follow all current policies and procedures relevant to your daily husbandries
- Be aware of the safety of public, and animals; ensure visitors are engaging with the animals in a safe manner; use effective communication and correct protocol when dealing with disgruntled visitors and correcting unsafe behaviour
- Monitor feed and supplies in your area providing your designated Lead Keeper with appropriate amounts and ordering information.
- Oversee and conduct minor repair and landscape work on exhibits and grounds
- Represent the zoo by making presentations in various forums; participate on a minimum of one committee; provide guided tours to groups
- Ensure standards for the cleaning and disinfecting of all tools, tubs, work surfaces and machines are being followed according to policy
- Ensure animal exhibits, food preparation, and storage areas are maintained daily, cleaned appropriately and disinfected according to policy
- Ensure individual animal enrichments are carried out according to the schedules provided
- The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

**Animal Outreach, Shows and Tours**
- Demonstrate and communicate scientific and conservation messages in an engaging manner to diverse audiences
- Execute exceptional public speaking, organizational, record keeping and writing skills
- Be self-directed, flexible, work as a team player and achieve established goals
- Maintain accurate training records

**Qualifications**:

- Degree in Biology or a related field or equivalent experience.
- Minimum two years of animal husbandry experience in a CAZA - accredited zoological park or equivalent.

**Reporting Relationships**:
The position Zookeeper reports directly to the Area Lead assigned to them and or the Animal Care Manager

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $18.00-$22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 - 44 per week

**Benefits**:

- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Schedule:

- 10 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: In person