Animal Keeper II
Animal Keeper II
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Job Description
ANIMAL KEEPER II
Maymont is a 100acre historic estate and park located in Richmond Virginia with many unique experiences for all to enjoy including the historic Maymont Mansion The Robins Nature Center arboretum formal gardens and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. Since 1975 Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation committed to creating experiences that delight educate and inspire its guests.
The Maymont Foundation is seeking a fulltime Animal Keeper II who will care for a variety of animal species in the Virginia Wildlife Habitats and Farm. Some crosstraining may occur for care of animals in The Robins Nature Center. The Animal Keeper II maintains the health and appearance of animals habitats and support areas and engages with guests through programming and education efforts. This position reports to the Senior Manager of Zoology.
Essential Functions:
- Acts as a point of contact for any animal related issues and will work closely with Senior Manager of Zoology and Director of Programming and Community Engagement for resolution
- Acts as Shift Lead ensuring adherence to safety protocols procedures and daytoday Zoology team operations
- Provides great guest experiences to individuals and groups through meaningful guest interactions behindthescenes tours special programs and events workshops and classes
- Works closely with the Senior Manager of Zoology in coordinating and assigning daily tasks and assignments
- Communicates effectively with coworkers supervisors and other departments to address animal care needs and facility issues
- Assembles appropriate information and coordinates verbal and written communications between various stakeholders
- Schedules routine projects such as but not limited to habitat maintenance small animal body exams hoof trims etc.
- Maintains animal feed medications and medical supplies inventory and reports to Senior Manager of Zoology
- Provides guidance and training to Zoology staff volunteers and interns fostering a positive and productive work environment
- Serves as an exemplary role model for Zoology staff volunteers and interns by strictly adhering to protocols and procedures to ensure animal and human safety as well as maintaining Maymont animal care standards and culture
- Works closely with veterinarian during vet rounds in the absence of the Senior Manager of Zoology
- Performs all preventative medical care of animals in the collection (fecal floats deworming vaccinations etc.)
- Maintains daily records including but not limited to inventory animal care and feeding and medications
- Cares for all animals within area of responsibility including but not limited to maintaining diets and feeding daily husbandry behavioral enrichment operant conditioning/training and application of veterinary treatments
- Maintains exhibit appearance by working independently as well as with other animal care staff through the use of landscape tools such as weed trimmers lawn mowers and leaf blowers
- Maintains troubleshoots and repairs animal facilities and equipment and participates in habitat improvement design and other planning
- Researches data to properly understand and maintain the animals within area of responsibility
- Supports other animal care teams such as The Robins Nature Center and Farm as needed
- Participates in Maymont community events as needed which may be outside of regular work schedule
- Complies with legal insurance and health/safety regulations as well as Maymont policies rules and procedures at all times
- Assists with other duties and tasks as assigned
Education and Experience:
- Associates degree in zoology or related field preferred
- 2 years of paid animal care experience in a public zoo/aquarium setting
Competencies:
- Great attitude energy and enthusiasm
- Knowledge and experience in animal husbandry to include disease and parasite control animal nutrition animal breeding animal behavior and animal training
- Ability to follow detailed written or oral instructions
- Knowledge of biological principles and terms
- Knowledge of safety precautions and willingness to work with normal hazards associated with an animal care facility (e.g. disinfectant chemicals potential zoonotic diseases being wet)
- Willingness to be vaccinated with employerprovided rabies preexposure vaccine
- Ability to work effectively and professionally with coworkers and Maymont visitors
- Ability to pass employerprovided training in Basic First Aid and CPR
- Ability to pass a background check
- Experience in animal restraint and handling preferred
- Ability to use operant conditioning techniques
- Valid drivers license required with reliable transportation to/from Maymont
- Ability to operate or learn to use hand and gardening tools power tools farm tractor personal computer microscope and first aid equipment
Physical Demands:
- Frequent sitting standing walking and talking for extended periods
- Frequent climbing bending stooping and lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to work inside and outside in allweather conditions throughout the year
- Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision distance vision depth perception and the ability to adjust focus
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including paidtimeoff and health dental vision disability and life insurance.
FLSA Status: FullTime Hourly
This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other jobrelated instructions and perform other jobrelated duties. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise other than an atwill employment relationship. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Maymont Foundation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
** Ability to pass a background check needed
Employment Type
Full-Time
