Animal Keeper- Outdoor Birds
Location
Chicago, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
2-5 years
Compensation
$31 - $31 per hour
Posted
9h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
This role involves daily animal care and enclosure maintenance for outdoor birds, including Chilean flamingos, African penguins, waterfowl, and birds of prey. The Animal Keeper participates in operant conditioning training, behavioral enrichment, and ensures the health, safety, and well-being of the animals while maintaining detailed records and interacting with zoo guests.
General Summary
Under general supervision, provides daily care and enclosure maintenance for birds, supporting high standards of animal health, safety and welfare. This outdoor position works with Chilean flamingos, African penguins, waterfowl and birds of prey. Experience with multiple bird species, egg incubation and hand-rearing is preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Provide daily feeding, watering, cleaning, observation, enrichment, training, record keeping and exhibit maintenance.
Participate in operant conditioning training, develop training plans and maintain training records.
Plan, implement and evaluate behavioral enrichment activities.
Participate in animal welfare assessments and implement required actions.
Monitor animal health and behavior and promptly report concerns to management.
Prepare and distribute prescribed diets and, under supervision, administer veterinary therapeutics.
Maintain clean, safe and well-presented exhibits, including landscaping, furnishings and minor repairs.
Monitor habitats, equipment and facilities and submit work orders or emergency repair requests as required.
Maintain accurate daily reports and records using the TRACKS system and collect ZooMonitor data.
Make recommendations regarding diets, habitats and animal care and assist with approved improvements.
Maintain tools, equipment and supplies and follow all animal handling, chemical and workplace safety procedures.
Participate in animal escape drills and, under supervision, capture, restrain and transport animals.
Assist with education programs, tours, research, conservation, science and community engagement activities.
Support positive guest experiences and collaborate with other zoo departments.
Assist lead/assistant lead keepers with training new staff and temporary keepers.
Perform other duties as assigned, including evening/night observations and specialized animal care.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of current animal husbandry, behavior, natural history, enrichment and training practices.
Understanding of animal behavior as an indicator of health, reproduction and wellbeing.
Knowledge of safe practices when working with animals, chemicals, medications, machinery and handling equipment.
Strong observation, documentation, record-keeping and communication skills.
Ability to follow and provide written and verbal instructions and give and receive constructive feedback.
Strong organization, time management, judgment and problem-solving skills.
Ability to respond appropriately to animal behavior issues and emergencies.
Ability to work safely and professionally with potentially dangerous or unpredictable animals.
Ability to work respectfully with supervisors, colleagues, volunteers, visitors and the public.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and internet/intranet navigation.
Education and Experience
High school diploma or GED required.
Degree in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Biological Sciences or a related field preferred.
Previous animal care experience in a zoo, aquarium or similar institution highly desirable.
Experience with birds or other relevant taxonomic groups preferred.
Experience with operant conditioning and goal-based enrichment preferred.
Physical and Working Requirements
Ability to remain standing for extended periods and perform climbing, bending, kneeling, crawling, twisting and reaching.
Ability to frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work in confined spaces and all weather conditions.
Ability to wear required PPE, including gloves, protective footwear, eye protection and face shields.
Ability to safely work around animals, plants, chemicals and potentially hazardous equipment.
Ability to swim may be required for certain positions.
Must be available for weekends, holidays, special events, all shifts and additional hours as required.
Must attend required on-site training.
Valid driver’s license with a good driving record preferred.
Negative TB test required.
Updated 9h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
2-5 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$31 - $31 per hour
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Lincoln Park Zoological Society
Team size
Growing team
Location
Chicago, United States
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.
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Animal Keeper- Outdoor Birds
Chicago, United States • Full Time