Lead Keeper - Elephants (Animal Training)
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Job Title: Lead Keeper - Elephants (Animal Training)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Classification: Full-time
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday; 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM with a half day on Thursday
Pay Rate: Range starts at $22.53/hour
Summary:
The Lead Keeper of Animal Training has a core focus on animal training and behavioral management. They also provide daily husbandry and behavioral management for a multigenerational African elephant herd and daily exhibit and building maintenance in a 4+ acre outdoor exhibit space and 25,000 square foot barn within the African Grasslands exhibit. The Lead Keeper of Animal Training is expected to collaborate with the Lead Keeper of Staff Training to ensure all staff and elephant development goals are met. They will perform at a high level in a proactive leadership role and communicate regularly with the area supervisor regarding animal management. They will assist in hiring and the development of departmental goals and plans, as well as aid in establishing work priorities for the department, especially related to husbandry and welfare, and ensure compliance with all zoo policies and procedures. They will help cultivate an understanding of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium’s mission to inspire, educate, and engage people to serve as lifelong stewards for the conservation of animals and their habitats, while creating a feeling of purpose for the members of the team.
Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions (include but not limited to):
- Manage and coordinate animal training schedules within daily operations.
- Expected to be an active department leader and can be expected to cover department function and emergency response coordination in the absence of Elephant Manager.
- Collaborate with the Elephant Manager to establish training priorities and goals for each elephant on a monthly basis.
- Collaborate with the Lead Keeper of Staff Training and Elephant Manager to ensure all priorities are being met with the staff, herd, and barn.
- Provide input and cost estimates for necessary training and enrichment items for annual budget planning.
- Demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements within the department.
- Direct involvement in maintaining records including ZIMS animal records, daily reports, enrichment logs, training logs, welfare assessments, and other required building SOPs.
- Assist the Elephant Manager with animal husbandry and welfare protocols.
- Contribute to the development of birth transport and introduction plans.
- Ensure adherence to regulations according to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, AZA, and USDA/APHIS.
- Knowledge of all functions of the elephant sections of African Grasslands, including animal enclosures/habitats, life support systems, safety concerns, and overall building/grounds maintenance, including ability to problem solve when issues arise.
- Competent in all duties, responsibilities, and essential functions of a Keeper and Senior Keeper position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proven knowledge of basic training techniques, theory and application. Internal candidates should have completed OHDZA animal trainer requirements.
- Expected to have or develop the appropriate level of knowledge of elephant natural history and zoological management of elephants, with an emphasis on least intrusive principles to ensure the best possible physical and psychological well-being of the animals in their care.
- Excellent communication skills. Public speaking experience preferred.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, as well as knowing when to delegate tasks.
- Excellent time management and staff/volunteer supervision skill sets.
- Creative, positive, and self-motivated.
- Ability to collect and identify approved browse species.
- Ability to maintain a safe work environment for all staff, guests, and animals in the department.
Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative TB test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
- Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays and some night programs.
- Ability to work outdoors for prolonged periods of time in inclement weather/temperatures on a consistent basis.
- Must be able to travel long distances across the zoo, on foot and on motor vehicles.
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
- Must be able to sit, kneel, bend, twist, stoop, crawl, reach above head and climb.
- Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds routinely and occasionally up to 80 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.
Travel Required:
Education and Experience:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Animal Science, Behavior or related field is preferred.
- Minimum of 4 years’ experience in an AZA accredited institution or related organization.
- Successful completion of AZA’s Principles of Elephant Management I.
- Experience with mixed gender and multigenerational herd management, elephant management in a variable climate/seasonal environment, neonate care and calf training, birth and postpartum care, adaptable management considerations, and work environment safety considerations preferred.
- Internal candidates should have completed ICS 100 and 700.
- Exotic/zoo animal husbandry experience preferred.
- Operant conditioning experience with positive reinforcement and adherence to least intrusive principles preferred.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
DISCLAIMER
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
