Senior Animal Keeper

Full-Time : Non-Exempt hours per week

Department : Bird and Mammal

General Statement of Duties

The Senior Animal Keeper is responsible for all aspects of Museum’s bird and mammal collections, both ambassador and exhibit animals, including but not limited to cleaning, feeding, inspecting / observing specimens, maintaining exhibits, implementing veterinary, nutrition and enrichment programs, and record-keeping. Acquires and maintains appropriate knowledge about animals, exhibits, museum policies, procedures, and facilities. The Senior Animal Keeper works in cooperation with Animal Welfare staff as well as other departments to achieve established facility / operational and AZA standards. Interacts with visitors routinely through formal and informal programs. This position recognizes the capacity to achieve greater results by integrating skilled volunteers, leveraging their diverse knowledge and skills. This position reports directly to the Bird and Mammal Curator.

Qualifications

• A passion for animals, their welfare and conservation.
• Bachelor’s degree or currently progress towards it in biology or related field. Significant professional animal care experience may be considered.
• At least 3 years of paid exotic (non-domestic) animal care experience, preferably at AZA facilities.
• Experience with current AZA training and enrichment practices.
• Maintain USDA and AZA standards for animal care and welfare.
• Ability to physically maintain enclosures and cages to safely and effectively house small to large birds and / or mammals.
• Proficiency in safe operating procedures with hand and power tools in order to make enclosure / exhibit repairs or improvements while ensuring animal, coworker, and public safety.
• Excellent reliability, communication, time management and observational skills.
• Ability to speak to groups of all ages.
• Must be self-reliant and motivated.
• First Aid / CPR certified or willing to become at the museums expense.
• Must be able to remain calm, make sound decisions and provide clear directions in a crisis situation.
• Be solution oriented.
• Has the self-assurance to handle animals with confidence and patience.
• Have current rabies vaccination or agree to be vaccinated at museum expense.

Duties and Responsibilities

Be a positive, enthusiastic representative of the Virginia Living Museum.

Support excellent animal welfare :

Support excellent Human welfare :

Exhibits Support and Safety :

Essential Job Requirements

Supervision Exercised : None

Experience Required

Perks

Salary

$ per hour