Animal Keeper, Regenstein Center for African Apes - Chicago, United States - Lincoln Park Zoological Society

Lincoln Park Zoological Society

Verified Company

Chicago, United States

4 days ago

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter

Description

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science.

A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year.

Visit us at:

GENERAL SUMMARY
Under general supervision, participates in all aspects of daily animal care and maintenance of Regenstein Center for African Apes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provides daily care to gorillas, chimpanzees and their enclosures. Including, but not limited to cleaning, feeding, watering, securing, grooming (i.e., domestic animals), observing, animal training and enrichment, record keeping and maintaining exhibits
Tasks may include heavy manual and skilled work such as moving and manipulating heavy food items, hoses, bales of hay, equipment and crated animals
Advances zoo mission through participation in conservation programs assists in development and delivery of educational programs formally through Education Department, and informally through interaction with zoo guests; conducts tours for guests, staffs and volunteers; may participate in research projects
Cleans and maintains animal exhibits including use of chemical agents and special tools which are used to ensure the health and safety of the animals as well as the proper presentation to the public
Under supervision, maintains excellence in exhibit display including furnishing, modifying and performing minor repairs and upkeep as appropriate
Prepares and distributes animal diets as determined by senior animal management staff.
Under supervision, administers therapeutics as prescribed by the veterinarian
Monitors health of animals on a daily basis by observing eating habits, general activity, behavior and appearance, interaction with others, etc. Reports abnormal behavior and problems to area supervisor without delay. Prepares detailed written daily reports for supervisor
Makes recommendations regarding diet change, habitat redesign and related matters and takes steps to accomplish same
Monitors the condition of habitats, equipment and facilities and initiates work orders requests and emergency repairs as needed
Maintains clean and safe work environment
Maintains an inventory of equipment and supplies
Adheres to established animal handling and related safety guidelines. Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures. Under supervision, captures, restrains, and transports animals
May be assigned jobs that require coordination with other zoo departments
Orients and trains staff assigned to work locations

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Keepers assigned to evening or night shift will devote most of their time to observing selected zoo animals for possible problems or births, administering prescribed medications and night feedings and milking, delivering feed to animal areas, keeping records and assisting with zoo security
May have direct responsibility for a specialized aspect of assigned animal collection.
Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations
Work necessary hours as requested including all shifts, weekends, holidays, and special events

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of general husbandry practices and methods
Knowledge of animal behavior as an indication of general health, reproductive potential and well being
Knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the safe work practices to employ while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals
Knowledge of materials, methods, tools and equipment used in cleaning operations
Skill in making thorough observations and documenting observations
Ability to keep comprehensive and accurate records according to established procedures
Ability to both give and follow oral and written directions effectively
Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all projects
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to work in any of the assigned animal areas fulfilling all requirements of the title
Ability to exercise sound judgment in analyzing animal behavior problems or emergency situations, and to respond with appropriate action
Ability to work with and be comfortable around potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species
Ability to work with potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs
Ability to interact courteously, respectfully and productively with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from a high school or the equivalent (GED) is required.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Biological Sciences (i.e. Biology, Zoology or Ecology) or a closely related discipline is preferred.

**EXPE