Keeper II - HIIZ (Aquatics)

Keeper II - HIIZ (Aquatics)Make a Splash in Conservation and Join Us as a Full-Time Keeper II

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s HIIZ Department is seeking an experienced, self-motivated Keeper II to join our specialized team in a regular, full-time capacity. This hands-on role provides comprehensive care for a diverse collection of aquatic animals representing Sonoran Desert and Gulf of California ecosystems across public exhibits and conservation programs. Responsibilities include daily animal husbandry, health monitoring, providing enrichment, and managing aquatic life-support systems, alongside engaging guests and supporting volunteers at our popular stingray exhibit. Minimum requirements include proven experience in aquatic husbandry, though a combination of education and experience will be considered; background in an AZA-accredited facility is preferred. The ideal candidate must be highly self-motivated, capable of working with little supervision or within a small team, and eager to share their knowledge in a dynamic educational environment.

This position is considered open until filled; however, application review will begin immediately. Please understand that if offered a position you will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen and provide a current satisfactory 39-month driver's history report as a final condition of employment.

Job Title: Keeper II

Department: Herpetology, Ichthyology & Invertebrate Zoology (HIIZ)

Reports To: Curator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; Full-time

Compensation: $19.51 per hour plus a comprehensive benefit package, which includes medical, dental, vision, life and LTD insurance, FSA, HRA, paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation. Position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement.

Summary

Ensures animal welfare and institutional support by performing the duties below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties will be assigned.

Prepares food for charges by chopping or grinding meat, fish, fruit, or vegetables; mixing prepared, dry, or liquid commercial feeds, or unbaling forage grasses per department practices and protocols.
Cleans and fills water containers and places food in enclosures per department practices and protocols.
Adds vitamins, medications or supplements to food or water as prescribed by ASDM's Veterinarian.
Observes animals to detect illnesses or injuries and notifies Curator or ASDM's Veterinarians of findings. Will promptly notify Curator or veterinary team of issues and concerns.
Assists ASDM's Veterinarians and Veterinary Technician in treatment of animals for illnesses and injuries.
Will perform injection of prescribed medications after appropriate training from ASDM veterinary staff or Vet Technician.
Cleans and disinfects animals' quarters per department practices and protocols.
Will assist with developing desired animal behaviors per department practices and protocols.
Will be involved with the training, management and certification of volunteers
Under curatorial direction, transfers Collection animals from one location or enclosure to another for purposes such as rearrangement of exhibits, veterinary needs, or programs.
Sets temperature and humidity controls of quarters as specified per department practices and protocols.
Answers visitor questions concerning animal habits, conservation, or museum operations.
Participates in educational activities as required, (i.e., Docent classes, ADC, Art Institute, media).
May be responsible for training volunteers, Docents and Education staff on how to work with interpretive animals.
Assists other collection departments, maintenance, and exhibits staff when required.
Will provide and create approved environmental enrichment, following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols.
Will participate in formal presentations at ASDM or off-site, (i.e., Keeper talks, theater programs, behind-the-scenes tours).
Will complete on-line annual training as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

There are no staff supervisory responsibilities associated with this position. However, this position may supervise and/or provide direction to volunteers assisting with Keeper duties.
QualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

A two-year degree with one to two years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have basic computer software knowledge to include word processing, data base, and spreadsheet applications.

Other Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the Sonoran Desert region highly desirable.
Knowledge of zoo facilities and operations desirable.
Knowledge of natural history, safe animal capture and handling, husbandry, and ecosystems required.
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