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Regional hiringpublishedExternal employer
PZPotawatomi Zoo
Potawatomi Zoo•Zoo

Swing Keeper - Education Program Animals

Location

South Bend, Indiana, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

1-5 years

Compensation

$16 - $28 per hour

Posted

4h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

This full-time Swing Keeper position at Potawatomi Zoo involves daily animal care and husbandry for a diverse collection of small animals, including amphibians, reptiles, primates, small carnivores, and birds. The role also includes engaging with zoo guests, maintaining detailed records, and responding to emergency situations while adhering to safety protocols.

Potawatomi Zoo is seeking a qualified candidate for a full-time Education Program Animal Swing Keeper Position. The ideal candidate will possess the skills and expertise necessary to perform routine duties within the assigned areas. Responsibilities include all aspects of daily animal care and husbandry for a diverse collection of small animals including: amphibians, reptiles, primates, small carnivores and birds.

The Swing Keeper will be a motivated team player with a strong work ethic. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position offering competitive pay based on experience. Benefits include annual wage increases as outlined in the union contract, a yearly clothing allowance, and additional benefits upon meeting eligibility requirements.

Essential Functions (including but not limited to)

  • General husbandry and care of assigned animals, including preparation and distribution of approved animal diets.

  • Close observation of animal behaviors with a particular focus on appropriate appetite, mobility, and waste production to monitor health of animals; notification of appropriate animal care staff of any concerns.

  • Basic animal capture, restraint and handling techniques: assist in animal procedures including, but not limited to, translocations, veterinary procedures, and crating.

  • Engage with Zoo guests at habitats, encounters, chats, and/or training demonstrations.

  • Maintain detailed daily records on assigned animals.

  • Strong knowledge of zoo layout and general animal collection to respond quickly during animal emergencies and assist guests daily with habitat location.

  • Adherence to area’s standard operating procedures (SOP).

  • Knowledge of safety SOP, safety concerns, and reporting protocols.

  • Inspect, clean, and maintain both exhibit and off-exhibit areas.

  • Perform species-specific enrichment and guest engagement as assigned.

  • Report animal illness, maintenance, safety, horticulture, or other needs to appropriate staff.

  • Respond to emergency situations (e.g., Code Green, Yellow, Red) within the Zoo.

  • Observe safety policies and procedures in regards to the use of Zoo equipment, materials, chemicals, and vehicles.

  • Carries out duties and job assignments as delegated by immediate managers or other appropriate members of management.

Qualifications and Experience

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required; advanced degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field of study preferred

  • Minimum 1 year paid employment at a zoo, aquarium, wildlife facility or equivalent

  • Internships, volunteer work, etc. may be considered

  • Basic animal training through the use of operant and classical conditioning

  • Must have good written and verbal communication skills

  • Must be personable, proactive, self-motivated, independent, and a problem solver

  • Must be able to maintain discretion with confidential information

  • Ability to develop positive relationships with members of all departments, and to work effectively alone and in group setting

  • Ability to complete projects in a reasonable time frame, to the complete satisfaction of management

  • Deal courteously and tactfully with employees, peers, superiors, and the general public

  • Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public

Other Requirements

  • Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA and USDA standards and guidelines, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare

  • Ability to work in extreme weather conditions (i.e., heat, rain, or cold)

  • Possess visual, hearing and other sensory and cognitive capacity appropriate for animal care and general safety practices

  • Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions

  • Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking, and to engage in physical labor (raking, sweeping, shoveling)

  • Must have ability to navigate paved as well as rough terrain on foot and by vehicle

  • Must be able to safely and effectively engage in heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds)

  • Ability to work long hours and varying shifts, including nights and weekends, to support special events and the needs of the collection

  • Attend and complete all required employee trainings

Updated 4h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Care • 1+ yrs
Animal Husbandry • 1+ yrs
Animal Observation • 1+ yrs
Animal Capture & Restraint • 1+ yrs
Operant and Classical Conditioning • 1+ yrs
Record Keeping • 1+ yrs
Guest Engagement • 1+ yrs
Emergency Response • 1+ yrs

Experience

1-5 years

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations
Education

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

$16 - $28 per hour

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodHourly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationSouth Bend, Indiana, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleHigh • 8/10
physicalHigh • 9/10
cognitiveHigh • 8/10
executionHigh • 9/10
creativityMedium • 6/10
uncertaintyMedium • 7/10
communicationHigh • 8/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Potawatomi Zoo

Team size

Growing team

Location

South Bend, Indiana, United States

Potawatomi Zoo is seeking a qualified candidate for a full-time Education Program Animal Swing Keeper Position. The ideal candidate will possess the skills and expertise necessary to perform routine duties within the assigned areas.

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Swing Keeper - Education Program Animals

South Bend, Indiana, United States • Full Time