Keeper - Great Apes

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Great Apes Keeper to assist in all necessary animal care, training, management and husbandry work associated with the animals in this department. This position reports directly to the Great Apes Supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Responsible for the daily care of the departments animal collection, record keeping, animal enrichment, animal training, monitoring behavior, changes in animal health, and some exhibit maintenance. Must have a general knowledge of animal husbandry.

• Will aid in maintaining standardized training programs, including goal development and record keeping, includes assisting with currently established training programs while also developing personal animal training skills. This includes assessing, developing, implementing, and evaluating training practices that will enhance the daily animal husbandry of all collection animals. Participation in zoo wide animal training workshops is required.

• Will aid in maintaining standardized enrichment programs using the Life Strategies approach developed for the zoo. This includes assessing, developing, implementing and evaluating enrichment practices to enhance animal husbandry. In addition, assist with the development of new enrichment projects for the department.

• Demonstrate a knowledge of industry standards and respect institutional guidelines regarding progressive animal welfare, and aid in regular assessments for the wellbeing of the animals.

• Participate in daily team discussions and activities to aid in the growth and professional development of the team. Willingness to provide and be open with information to coworkers, other departments, and staff to ensure everyone is continually informed.

• Assist in administering veterinary care when necessary.

• Contribute to department planning and offer suggestions intended to improve upon current procedures.

• Continually perform in a manner which supports a safe working environment.

• Assist with the monitoring, repair, and modifications of any system which supports the operation of any building associated with the department.

• Responsible for cleaning all off-exhibit areas and will also be expected to assist with the cleaning of areas visible to the public.

• Be able to provide progressive guest experiences including public speaking for educational experiences or events. Presentations must be comfortable and effective and meet the zoo’s goals for educational opportunities.

• Assist with the maintenance (planting, trimming, watering, mowing, etc.) of all plant life associated with the department and the exhibits.

• Safely and responsibly use yard equipment, power and hand tools.

• Assist with animal training records, enrichment documents, department report sheets, and daily operational checklists

• Assist other departments within the Zoo as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

• Those with some level of undergraduate study work are preferred.

• Previous work with great apes is preferred.

• The ability to work independently, when familiar with operational procedures.

• The ability to work cooperatively with co-workers, other departments, and management.

• An understanding of the fundamentals of animal training.

• The ability or willingness to develop public speaking skills.

• The ability to develop operational skills with all the equipment and tools utilized by zoo personnel.

• Offered candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and possess a valid driver’s license. A negative TB test is also required.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• The working environment will include both inside and outside activities.

• The ability to lift 70 pounds is required.

• Work 40 hours per week which will include weekends and holidays

• This department manages dangerous animals. Working conditions must remain safe.