Bird Keeper

Job Summary

Zoo Atlanta is seeking a dedicated and experienced animal care professional to join its Bird Team. Animal Keepers are responsible for exceptional animal welfare and husbandry, including training, enrichment, health and behavior monitoring, habitat maintenance, and recordkeeping. Keepers also support guest engagement, research, education, and departmental initiatives. Keeper II and III positions require increasing levels of experience, independence, and leadership, with Keeper III serving as a resource and point person when managers are unavailable.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality animal care consistent with Zoo Atlanta’s mission, values, strategic plan, and established standards.

• Participate in animal training, enrichment, research, education, and behavioral management using operant conditioning and positive reinforcement techniques.

• Complete required animal welfare and behavioral management training and support welfare assessments and action items.

• Monitor animal health, behavior, and welfare and promptly communicate concerns to supervisors and veterinary staff; administer medications as assigned.

• Maintain habitats, holding areas, public spaces, equipment, and work areas according to established protocols.

• Follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and area policies to protect animals, staff, and guests.

• Conduct guest interactions and scheduled educational talks for visitors, special groups, and other audiences.

• Maintain accurate daily reports, animal records, logs, and other required documentation.

• Communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors, coworkers, volunteers, interns, and other zoo staff.

• Coordinate and oversee interns and volunteers as assigned.

• Complete special projects and departmental goals and proactively identify needs, concerns, and opportunities for improvement.

• Promote teamwork, knowledge sharing, productivity, and a positive work environment.

• Support efforts to reduce Zoo Atlanta’s environmental footprint through daily practices and guest education.

• Maintain reliability, organization, accountability, responsiveness, and effective time management.

• Work flexible schedules, including weekends and holidays.

• Use light power tools after appropriate training.

• Carry and use OC/pepper spray when required for work with dangerous animals and comply with all applicable training and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Prior animal care experience strongly preferred; paid experience at an AZA-accredited facility preferred.

• Experience with operant conditioning, positive reinforcement, and enrichment preferred.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and enthusiasm for public interaction.

• Ability to give presentations and educational talks.

• Strong focus, organization, memory, time management, critical thinking, problem-solving, and stress-management skills.

• Computer proficiency and ability to maintain accurate records.

• Solution-oriented approach with demonstrated ability to support coworkers and develop team knowledge.

• Ability to work independently and contribute positively to department operations.

• Four-year degree in biology, psychology, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.

• Valid Georgia driver’s license and safe driving record required.

Keeper Levels

Keeper I

• Prior related animal care experience strongly preferred.

Keeper II

• Minimum 3 years of related bird care experience, as determined by Zoo Atlanta.

• Working knowledge of incubation, bird breeding, and rearing required.

Keeper III

• Minimum 5 years of related animal care experience required.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and serve as a resource to team members.

• Ability to coordinate and supervise interns and volunteers.

• Willingness to serve as a point person in the absence of area managers.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform physically strenuous work. Position requires lifting 30 lbs. regularly and up to 50 lbs. as needed. Employees working with or around dangerous animals must be able to carry and properly use OC spray after completing required training.