New

Animal Keeper - Team Bird

Cincinnati Zoo
life insurance, paid time off, 401(k)
United States, Ohio, Cincinnati
3400 Vine Street (Show on map)
Jul 28, 2025
Summary: This full-time position encompasses skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures, and related facilities of the bird department. Duties may include related tasks and/or unrelated duties as assigned. Representative Duties include: Clean animal displays, holding areas, service areas, public sections and grounds Complete inspection of all enclosures to ensure the safety of the animals Identify maintenance issues and correct or repair each as required, reporting non-correctable maintenance issues, including potential safety hazards, to a supervisor Observe general animal health and behavior, on a daily basis, and report any abnormal circumstances to a supervisor Maintain records of health, behavior, enrichment, operant conditioning and visitor engagement Prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures for the animal collection Perform operant conditioning and enrichment programs in assigned areas Instruct new personnel in the proper methods of animal care and handling consistent with approved policies and procedures Assist in the training, supervision, evaluation of volunteers, interns, and vocational students, as needed Assist animal health and curatorial staff with animal handling, capture, restraint, transport and medication administration Develop and support visitor engagement programs Interact with guests and Zoo staff in a professional and courteous manner Make decisions consistent with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden policies and procedures when required Perform daily duties in all sections of assigned department as required Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor Qualifications, Skills and Abilities: The ideal candidate will have demonstrated knowledge and successful experience in animal husbandry, operant conditioning, and understanding of modern zoological practices pertaining to birds; 2 years of paid experience with various avian taxa in an AZA accredited facility within the last 5 years is required. Applicants must have knowledge of bird husbandry, including feeding and nutrition, common bird diseases, capture and restraint, and knowledge of basic biology. Hand-rearing experience with psittacines and penguins is preferred. Operant conditioning experience with multiple avian taxa preferred. Successful applicants will actively demonstrate the Zoo's core values and behaviors, as well as demonstrate excellent communication and problem-solving processes, while applying good judgment, to deliver animal care and guest experiences that meet the highest standards. The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers (includes staff, interns, students, and volunteers) is important to possess within a successful applicant. Candidate must be comfortable with guest interactions and in delivering public presentations. Working Conditions: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment drug & nicotine screen & background check, and a TB test. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; bend; climb or balance; lift, grasp; and negotiate stairs and ladders. In addition, the employee may be exposed to Zoonosis, chemicals, and outside weather conditions; Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance; must possess a valid driver's license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle). Position Details & Benefits This is a full-time (40 hours per week with benefits) keeper position, which is subject to the successful completion of a probationary period and the deduction of union dues. Regular days off will be Tues/ Wed but subject to change based on the current team member schedule changes during this process. Starting pay range is between 21.73 - 25.75 determined by years of field experience. Intentional professional development opportunities, for both animal care and "people" skills. We offer a highly competitive benefits package supporting our employees' Total Well-Being, including comprehensive & affordable medical, dental & vision coverage (starting the first day of the month following date of hire); free mental health counseling, Employee Assistance Programs, 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off (200 PTO hours accrued throughout the first year of service, 80 of which is loaded into the PTO bank upon hire); company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes. To Apply: Cover letter and resume should be included in your online application. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so please apply soon!