Zookeeper - Swing
Association Of Zoos & Aquariums, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
John Ball Zoo
At John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation. As one of the top attractions in Grand Rapids, we welcome over 700,000 guests each year who are able to experience over 2,000 animals of over 230 species.
Zookeeper - Swing
The Swing Zookeeper performs technical animal management work in accordance with established procedures and protocols, required for proper care and maintenance of animals under human care at the John Ball Zoo. This includes the care and feeding of exotic and domestic animals; the cleaning and maintenance of buildings, exhibits, and yards; and observation and reporting on the physical and behavioral condition of the animals. In addition to regular duties within Area 3, this position will be cross‑trained and will also help to provide coverage for other areas as needed for Zookeepers assisting with conservation projects or for other staffing needs.
This is a Union position with Step 1 pay starting at $17.11 per hour.
The Ideal candidate would be:
Experienced in working in a zoo setting
Knowledgeable of and experienced with modern principles of animal care and welfare, including behavioural enrichment, medical treatments, exhibitory, nutrition, disease, transport, record keeping, and positive reinforcement based training techniques
SCUBA certified from a recognized dive training organization or willing to be trained in SCUBA
Capable of demonstrating professionalism and maturity at all times
Skilled in proper interpretive techniques to relay information to visiting public
A strong and effective communicator and a supportive team player
Innovative and willing to look for solutions
Capable of following all zoo and industry safety guidelines
Possess a positive attitude and a general philosophy/outlook in line with the Zoo's mission
Must be willing to work holidays, weekends, evenings, and late night events
Experience Required
Affinity for the mission and values of John Ball Zoo
Ability to provide guidance to other animal care staff members and volunteers to support departmental objectives
Ability to interact positively with a wide array of individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
Demonstrated ability to prioritize and show flexibility with daily responsibilities with minimal guidance
Basic computer literacy and working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, computer graphics, multimedia presentation and database applications
Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
Knowledge of the principles and practices of exotic animal care and management
Knowledge of animal psychology and behavior, and ability to identify abnormal behaviors indicating stress, illness or other animal conditions requiring monitoring and attention
Knowledge of the principles and practices of operant conditioning and training
Flexing work hours may be needed periodically throughout the year
Ability to acquire and maintain CPR and first aid certification
Valid Michigan driver's license with an insurable driving record; may be mandatory depending upon current departmental need
Benefits
Medical plan option
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Life insurance
Employee assistance programDental & vision for employee & family
12 full weeks of parental leave (after 1 year of employment)
John Ball Zoo
1300 Fulton St W
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Phone: 616‑334‑4300
#J-18808-Ljbffr
At John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation. As one of the top attractions in Grand Rapids, we welcome over 700,000 guests each year who are able to experience over 2,000 animals of over 230 species.
Zookeeper - Swing
The Swing Zookeeper performs technical animal management work in accordance with established procedures and protocols, required for proper care and maintenance of animals under human care at the John Ball Zoo. This includes the care and feeding of exotic and domestic animals; the cleaning and maintenance of buildings, exhibits, and yards; and observation and reporting on the physical and behavioral condition of the animals. In addition to regular duties within Area 3, this position will be cross‑trained and will also help to provide coverage for other areas as needed for Zookeepers assisting with conservation projects or for other staffing needs.
This is a Union position with Step 1 pay starting at $17.11 per hour.
The Ideal candidate would be:
Experienced in working in a zoo setting
Knowledgeable of and experienced with modern principles of animal care and welfare, including behavioural enrichment, medical treatments, exhibitory, nutrition, disease, transport, record keeping, and positive reinforcement based training techniques
SCUBA certified from a recognized dive training organization or willing to be trained in SCUBA
Capable of demonstrating professionalism and maturity at all times
Skilled in proper interpretive techniques to relay information to visiting public
A strong and effective communicator and a supportive team player
Innovative and willing to look for solutions
Capable of following all zoo and industry safety guidelines
Possess a positive attitude and a general philosophy/outlook in line with the Zoo's mission
Must be willing to work holidays, weekends, evenings, and late night events
Experience Required
Affinity for the mission and values of John Ball Zoo
Ability to provide guidance to other animal care staff members and volunteers to support departmental objectives
Ability to interact positively with a wide array of individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
Demonstrated ability to prioritize and show flexibility with daily responsibilities with minimal guidance
Basic computer literacy and working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, computer graphics, multimedia presentation and database applications
Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
Knowledge of the principles and practices of exotic animal care and management
Knowledge of animal psychology and behavior, and ability to identify abnormal behaviors indicating stress, illness or other animal conditions requiring monitoring and attention
Knowledge of the principles and practices of operant conditioning and training
Flexing work hours may be needed periodically throughout the year
Ability to acquire and maintain CPR and first aid certification
Valid Michigan driver's license with an insurable driving record; may be mandatory depending upon current departmental need
Benefits
Medical plan option
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Life insurance
Employee assistance programDental & vision for employee & family
12 full weeks of parental leave (after 1 year of employment)
John Ball Zoo
1300 Fulton St W
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Phone: 616‑334‑4300
#J-18808-Ljbffr