Senior Keeper, Large Carnivores

Senior Keeper, Large Carnivores

Austin Zoo is hiring an experienced large carnivore keeper. This position focuses on all aspects of animal care, welfare and behavioral husbandry for a diverse collection of carnivores including lions, tigers, cougars, cheetah, American black bears, bobcats and wolves. The Lead Keeper is also required to learn other animal care areas and fill in as a relief keeper, as assigned, for domestic and exotic hoofed stock, primates, small mammals, reptiles and birds.

Austin Zoo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit wild animal rescue zoo located in the Hill Country at the southwest edge of Austin, Texas. Our mission is to assist animals in need through rescue, conservation and education. As the only ZAA-accredited zoo in the Austin area, we are committed to serving our community and connecting families with nature. Austin Zoo provides care through end-of-life to over 300 animals representing more than 100 species.

Essential Functions:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

· Animal Well-being:

o Develops, implements and evaluates goal-oriented enrichment opportunities, as approved.

o With Animal Manager and Director of Animal Care, develops effective training plans and acts as a primary trainer for conditioning welfare and husbandry-focused behaviors.

o Provides high-level animal care and optimizes welfare.

o Provides medication for animals, as prescribed by the veterinary team.

· Record Keeping:

o Ensures habitat and animal records are accurate, up-to-date, and completed on time.

· Guest Engagement:

o Regularly engages with guests through both formally scheduled keeper chats and informal impromptu interpretation.

· Facilities/ Operations:

o Ability to use common power tools and perform basic repairs, animal furniture installation and other exhibit maintenance.

o Ability to prioritize work order needs and advise supervisors of general exhibit maintenance needs.

o Assists in the development and updating of area SOPs and facility manuals.

o Ordering and inventorying diets and other supplies

This position requires an experienced “Code Red” animal keeper capable of following safety protocols providing high-level care and welfare. The ideal candidate will be able to become a certified member of our dangerous animal response team.

This position reports to the Director of Animal Care and the Animal Manager.

Education and Prerequisites

· Three or more years paid experience with large carnivores in a zoo or sanctuary setting. Preference will be given to those with work experience from ZAA or AZA accredited facilities.

· A Bachelor’s Degree, with preference given to Biology, Zoology and other Life Sciences.

· Preference given to keepers with a working knowledge and practical experience in Operant Conditioning and behavioral enrichment.

· Strong work ethic and the ability to work well within a team of approximately 16 animal care staff.

· Ability to walk, stand, crouch, kneel, climb ladders, etc. over the course of an entire workday and actively work in extreme weather conditions and topography characteristic of Central Texas.

· Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a Texas driver’s license.

· Must be able to work weekends and holidays and maintain a flexible schedule.

· Must be able to lift a minimum of 50lbs.

· Able to deal with possible exposure to dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and hazardous chemicals and/or drugs. Use of protective clothing or equipment may be required for some tasks, including but not limited to, goggles, masks, gloves, braces, hats, gowns, boots, etc.

Compensation

· Competitive salary and paid vacation

· Accrued sick