Become the hero of the OKC Zoo! As the Animal Caretaker of Ambassador Animals, you'll be the dedicated guardian of our beloved animal ambassadors, ensuring their health and happiness through daily care routines. You'll also play a starring role in enhancing our guests' experiences by showcasing these amazing creatures and engaging with visitors to create unforgettable memories. This position involves a mix of skilled and semi-skilled tasks to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals, staf... more details
Become the hero of the OKC Zoo! As the Animal Caretaker of Ambassador Animals, you'll be the dedicated guardian of our beloved animal ambassadors, ensuring their health and happiness through daily care routines. You'll also play a starring role in enhancing our guests' experiences by showcasing these amazing creatures and engaging with visitors to create unforgettable memories. This position involves a mix of skilled and semi-skilled tasks to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals, staff, and public.
Employment Status: Full-Time
Pay Rate: $15.31- $17.61
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Experience Required: One (1) year of paid experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility with relevant taxa OR, an equivalent combination of education and experience, including qualifying unpaid AZA internships, to successfully perform the essential duties.
Minimum Education Requirements: High school diploma or G.E.D.
Department: Conservation, Education and Science
Direct Supervisor: Behavioral Husbandry Coordinator
Supervisory Responsibility: Direct (0); Indirect (0)
Primary Work Location: Zoo setting both indoors and outdoors.
Certification: Valid Oklahoma driver’s license within thirty (30) days of hire and pass driver’s history check.
Other: This position is safety sensitive. It is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing. This position works around animals susceptible to specific respiratory diseases, and thus is subject to annual tuberculosis testing.
Essential Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:
- Actively participate in daily animal husbandry tasks and assessments related to: food, water, cleanliness, health, animal transfers, and behavior.
- Observe, monitor, and report animal behavior changes and medical concerns; keep detailed records of animal weight, health, enrichment, training and behavior.
- Maintain and renovate exhibits, service areas, and equipment.
- Support daily purposeful enrichment and documentation to promote, encourage, and evaluate natural and guest engaging behaviors.
- Develop a basic understanding of and the ability to perform operant conditioning training. Participate in animal training programs to prepare ambassador animals for use in educational programs.
- Train staff and volunteers on presentation techniques and ambassador animal training for educational programs; monitor the use of animals to ensure proper handling is performed and welfare standards are met.
- Monitor animal health and assist in veterinary medical procedures; provide medication and treatment to animals as directed by veterinary staff.
- Educate and interact with guests in both formal and informal settings; provide positive, memorable guest experiences.
- Represent the Zoo knowledgeably and professionally during all working hours, including at external community events.
- Collaborate with other zoo departments.
- Understand and follow all of the Zoo’s safety and emergency protocols. Participate in and respond to safety-related issues and drills.
- Participate in collaborative efforts to gather information about and understand natural behaviors and life histories of the ambassador animals; conduct research on both current species and new species, as assigned.
- Value and support all work group members, including volunteers, offering assistance to ensure each other’s and the whole team’s success.
- Plan and organize work projects for the area; acquire needed supplies and materials for work projects.
- Participate in animal transfers, both off and on site.
- Participate in conservation activities that support the zoo’s mission.
- Practice and model the Zoo’s values centered on wildlife and wild places, conservation, people, and leadership.
- Support OKC Zoo’s strategic plan and institutional goals.
- Drive around the Oklahoma City area throughout all seasons of the year.
- Work in a manner that supports and protects the health of the assigned collection, including wearing assigned PPE and limiting exposure to known contagions.
