Job Summary:

Reporting to the Curator or Assistant Curator. Works as assigned inside animal areas, under the supervision of the Lead Keeper area. Responsible for all aspects of routine animal care, including, but not limited to, washing, feeding, inspection / observation of samples, management of exhibits, implementation of medical, food and enrichment services and record keeping. Acquires and maintains appropriate knowledge set, Zoo policies and procedures, and equipment. Works in partnership with the curatorial staff and the area's lead custodian to achieve defined facility / operational quality. Interacts with guests on a routine basis and through structured programs.

Responsibilities:

Maintenance exhibit Cleans / disinfects animal enclosures and other animal-related areas in compliance with Zoo standards / policies and other defined hygiene requirements (e.g. USDA).
In the display and other animal enclosures, plants are maintained and furnishings / features such as, but not limited to, perches, stones, logs, nest-boxes / dens, pools, moats, etc. are maintained by renovation, installation or cleaning.
Maintains working awareness of life support and other services in the hospital.
Food program Prepares, distributes and documents the intake of animal food in compliance with policies and procedures.
Implements species-Appropriate variance in diet presentation.
Assistance in the purchasing, processing, storing, transporting and storage of food and other supplies related to the nutrition program.
Provides daily care and sanitation for the colonies in areas where live food is processed.
Maintenance facilities Exhibits and facilities shall be inspected regularly or in compliance with established procedures and shall take the necessary measures to ensure that they are safe, dry, well-lit and properly heated and ventilated; shall promptly notify the appropriate parties of circumstances beyond the control of keepers (e.g. curator, veterinarian, maintenance).
Maintains the cleanliness and organization of indoor and outdoor storage areas and other areas adjacent to animal facilities as necessary.
Making minor, regular and emergency repairs necessary for the care and display of animals. Completion of the necessary work orders for major repairs.
May provide input on the design of Zoo exhibits and installations and participate in the installation / construction of exhibits and materials.
Is responsible for the safety of animals and facilities; immediately informs the relevant parties of potential safety hazards involving animals or humans (e.g. Lead Keeper, Curator, Maintenance, Security).
Assist in emergency situations.
Recording / Communication As set out in the guidelines, data on changes in selection, major behavior or behavioral changes, breeding, diet, veterinary care, etc. is entered in the routine keeper reports and in the animal record.
By means of regular logs and/or other existing processes, additional important information is transmitted to other keepers working in the same building / area.
Provides information that may affect the health or well-being of the pet to the correct owner, veterinarian or nutritionist in an appropriate manner.
Complete other written materials as needed, including AAZK data transfer, husbandry surveys, etc.
Maintains the coordination and availability of records (animal, service, maintenance).
Enrichment / Behavioral Management Maintains the physical environment of the exhibits and other animal enclosures to meet the physical and psychological needs of the individual.
Initiate and incorporate effective relational stimulation and behavioral development activities with authorization and/or under the direction of curatorial staff.
Interaction of visitors Interacts frequently and positively with guests and other Zoo members about the Zoo and the animals in their care.
Participates in Zoo-related training, membership and public programs, including, but not limited to, facility tours, feeding demos, maintenance talks, etc.; and work with curatorial and educational staff to create these programs.
Use the information provided by memos, conferences, etc. to keep zoo events related to visitors updated.
Animal and human information Constant study of animals for health and social and reproductive behaviour.
Continues to improve the knowledge of animal species in the assigned area(s), including natural history, husbandry, enrichment and individual information, through the use of on-site materials and formal and informal training programs and opportunities. May participate in career development opportunities and in course work or continuing education programmes.
May help with the research programs as assigned. May initiate and implement research projects under the supervision of curatorial staff.
Maintains the ability to recognize poisonous plants commonly found on the grounds of Zoo.
Veterinary Program Implementation and maintenance of treatment plans, quarantine and other preventive health programs and zoonotic disease prevention programs as prescribed by veterinary personnel.
Helps to control the disease.
Miscellaneous Maintains existing awareness of Zoo, departmental and national policies and procedures related to day-to-day operations and emergencies.
Assist in the capture, reproduction and transfer of animals and engage in the shipment and collection of specimens.
Provide training and guidance to apprentice keepers and others, as relevant to the specific role and experience, in all aspects of animal care and facility service.
Performs similar work as assigned to it.

Qualifications:

One year of experience with exotic animals in an AZA-accredited zoological park or equivalent plus a bachelor's degree in one of the life sciences. Any related training will be regarded as a replacement for a bachelor's degree.
Demonstrated knowledge of the exhibition and breeding of exotic animals in the area. Demonstrated encouragement and effort to extend awareness of the husbandry, exhibition and management of zoo specimens.
Demonstrated knowledge of the hazards of working with zoo specimens and safety precautions and safety measures related to zoo specimens.
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective and productive working relations with fellow workers.
Ability to provide clear and accurate oral and written information.
Demonstrated interest in sharing information on animal collection and the Zoo with guests and other Zoo constituents. Public speaking skills are required.
Ability to perform work in accordance with policies and procedures and adapt to change.
Ability to stay well informed about the Zoo, its rules, procedures, activities, history, etc.
Ability to make, communicate and execute rational decisions where necessary.
Professional behavior and manner of life.
Reptile Keeper positions: must demonstrate competence to work with venomous reptiles by completing the Philadelphia Zoo Venomous Reptile Handling Training Program and by demonstrating knowledge of the written protocol established for venomous snakebite emergencies within 12 months of the start date.
Elephant Keeper Positions: must successfully complete the Elephant Zoo Training Program within 9 months of the start date.
Delivery of the work schedule as allocated, including weekends and before / after normal hours.