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Animal Keeper
Location
Washington, Iowa, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
1-3 years
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Posted
2d ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Animal Keeper at the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoological Park is responsible for the daily care, feeding, and welfare of wild and exotic animals, including rare and endangered species. This role involves maintaining sanitary conditions, monitoring animal health and behavior, participating in enrichment and training programs, and keeping detailed records.
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the National Zoological Park in Washington, DC. The mission of the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is to save species by using cutting-edge science, sharing knowledge and providing inspirational experiences for our guests.
Duties:
Perform a variety of duties requiring specialized skills that ensure the proper care, feeding, exhibition, and propagation of a collection of wild and exotic animals, many of which are rare and endangered.
Provide daily care of animals in the collection ensure the health and welfare of the animals that includes the following:
Feed and water animals, ensuring proper measurements and preparation of food to include maintaining sanitary conditions of food areas and water containers and recording food and water consumption and report any changes per unit protocols.
Clean animal enclosures by hosing, sweeping, scrubbing, raking, and removing manure and unconsumed food.
Weigh animals, record, and report data. Report insect and pest infestations of animals. Monitor animals for symptoms of illness, injuries or unusual conditions and reports to Curator, Assistant Curator or Veterinarian. Maintains animal records and prepare appropriate reports.
Participate actively in enrichment programs, training and operant conditioning of animals, propagation and enriching and memorable experiences for visitors.
Observe animal activities such as breeding encounters, nesting activities, courtship rituals, aggression between animals in the same enclosure, feeding habits, etc.
Requirements:
Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation.
May need to complete a Probationary Period.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
Physical Requirements:
This position requires the physical ability to perform moderately heavy work including lifting and carrying heavy objects up to 50 lbs.; work outside in all weather conditions with exposure to dirt, dust, pollen and insects; climb ladders and stairs; and stand and walk for extended periods.
Working Conditions:
The work is performed indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. The incumbent is exposed to dust and to unpleasant odors and noises from the animals and to cleaning solutions and other chemicals. The work is performed on concrete floors and other hard surfaces. The work may be performed in closed or cramped spaces. The incumbent is exposed to bites, scratches, and animal waste, and may be exposed to animal parasites and zoonotic diseases.
Qualifications:
In order to be rated qualified, an applicant's overall experience and training must indicate possession of the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the duties of this position.
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Benefits:
Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position.
Updated 2d ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
1-3 years
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
Compensation not disclosed
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Smithsonian Institution
Team size
Growing team
Location
Washington, Iowa, United States
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the National Zoological Park in Washington, DC. The mission of the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is to save species by using cutting-edge science, sharing knowledge and providing inspirational experiences for our guests.
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Animal Keeper
Washington, Iowa, United States • Full Time