Zookeeper (Terrestrial), Shores

Responsible for the daily care of animals within assigned team as well as all other animals within the region; tests water quality and monitors life support systems and all region exhibit/habitat and grounds maintenance.

• Provides care for the region’s animals, including but not limited to food preparation, feeding, monitoring diets, watering, bathing, enrichment, water changes, observing medical and behavioral changes, behavioral stimulation and assists with medical treatment as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarians.
• Cleans and maintains the region’s exhibit areas (e.g. servicing life support systems, use of water quality testing equipment), performs basic horticulture work within exhibit.
• Performs minor maintenance, water quality testing, water changes, filter maintenance and other work related to aquatic systems.
• Utilizes chemical supply products and follows standardized usage guidelines and safety information as set by the Material Data Sheets.
• Assures safety of self, the living collection, co-workers and visitors by observing safety guidelines around the animals, equipment, and vehicles.
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date records (e.g. daily, monthly) on the collection.
• Provides educational information about the region’s animal population through such activities as interacting with the public, conducting keeper talks, staffing interpreter stations, conducting tours and workshops, attending docent meetings, composing articles for zoo publications and conducting volunteer trainings.
• Provides input to Curator on all aspects (e.g. safety, animal husbandry) of the region.
• May provide leadership and training to seasonal employees, interns, volunteers and zooschool students (e.g. provide daily work direction, inform management of problems.)
• Participates in training and operant conditioning programs and follows standardized reporting mechanisms.
• Attend departmental meetings and participates in developmental seminars and workshops as required.
• Establishes and maintains contacts with other zookeepers outside of the Columbus Zoo, field researchers and other specialists as required.
• Participates in venomous species handling program as assigned.
• Remains current and follows all diving and venomous related institutional safety protocols as assigned.
• Cross training between Shores Aquarist, Shores Stingray Bay Aquarist, and Shores Terrestrial Keeper positions is encouraged and subject to department operational needs as defined by the curator.  Cross-trained staff may be assigned duties throughout the Shores region as needed. 
• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club and The Wilds.
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal science, biology or related field required.  Four years of relevant zookeeping experience may be substituted for a degree.
• Experience in zookeeping (6 months to one year), or approved equivalent, required.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical work required.
• Minimum six months animal husbandry experience working with reptiles (venomous and non-venomous), amphibians, avian, fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals preferred.
• Experience in diagnosis and treatment of common diseases of reptiles, amphibians, and avian preferred.
• Ability to successfully perform zookeeper duties within a diverse animal collection preferred.
• Experience in the maintenance of aquariums, aquatic life support systems, and use of water quality testing equipment preferred.
• Proficient in venomous reptile handling and able to complete venomous reptile training (if assigned duties include venomous reptiles.)
• S.C.U.B.A. certification required (if assigned duties include diving).
• Ability to pass Dive Program annual swim test required (if assigned duties include diving).
• Ability to pass Dive Program physical exam required (if assigned duties include diving).
• Remain current and follows all diving related institutional safety protocols (if assigned duties include diving).
• C.P.R./First Aid certification required.
• Remain current and follows all Venomous related institutional safety protocols as assigned.
• Ability to develop and deliver informational presentations to small, medium or large groups required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays required.
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
• Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision required.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the Make it G.R.E.A.T. standards required.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business required.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
• Possession of a valid state issued motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required, as well as ability to operate standard shift vehicles required.
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
• Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.