Animal Keeper

DESCRIPTION

The NOVA Wild is a zoo and safari park located in Vienna, Virginia. NOVA Wild is American Humane Certified and ZAA Accredited. We are growing and seeking to hire a forward-thinking, energetic individual on our animal care team. Keepers will work closely under Curator to ensure high standards of animal care and welfare are met. Keepers are responsible for ensuring all daily animal care duties are performed.

DUTIES

• Performs animal care operations with the team under supervision of the Curator.
• Ensure animal welfare standards exceed USDA, ZAA, and AH standards
• Helps animal training, enrichment, and ambassador animal programs under direction of the Curator
• Maintains animal care reports, medical records, and adherence to animal care protocols
• Ensures daily delivery of animal medications, diets, and enrichment
• Reports animal behavior and medical concerns to the Curator. Assists with medical procedures. Functions as a member of the animal escape and recapture team. 
• Looks forward and completes preventative habitat maintenance, creating work orders for repairs to the maintenance team. Maintains Park and habitat cleanliness standards
• Thorough knowledge of rearing animals and breeding procedures
• Develops seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers to run assigned routines operationally
• Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES

• Experience with yard maintenance machinery and power tools preferred
• Valid driver’s license and able to work weekends/holidays
• Previous experience working with animals preferred
• Pay is commensurate with experience