Animal Care Leadkeeper - Wild Life Connections presso LIVING DESERT DBA THE LIVING DESERT

Description

Position Summary:

The Animal Care Lead Keeper is an energetic, front line position responsible for assisting the Animal Care leaders with area staff and the area animal residents. This position is primarily responsible within a specified area of the zoo to provide the highest quality daily care, husbandry and behavioral management of a defined portion of The Living Desert’s (TLD) animal residents, and is responsible for the daily care of assigned animal habitats and other associated animal facilities.  

This position also performs the functions of Animal Care Keeper and able to follow instructions from Animal Care management. The Animal Care Lead Keeper must demonstrate significant knowledge of husbandry practices, be able to lead and mentor staff in the performances of these practices. Must demonstrate strong leadership skills which include being a role model and an example to others while working towards an improved future and shared vision within TLD and the Animal Care team. 

Animal Care Lead Keeper Tasks, Duties & Responsibilities:

Mission:

• Must have the ability to make good decisions regarding the well-being of animals, staff and guests while working for the greater good of the zoo.  
• Will support the Zoo in our mission “to support desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation” and will help the Zoo achieve a forward thinking vision of a modern zoo and inclusive culture.  
• Must be a cooperative and collaborative team member with a great guest service attitude.
• Must be a motivated self-starter who needs minimal supervision as well as ability to work in a team setting. 
• General knowledge of zoo animal husbandry, biology and observational skills. 
• Must represent The Living Desert in a professional manner, and act accordingly at all times.
• Ensure animal well-being assessments and action plans are being carried out. 

Administrative:

• Provide updates and ideas for standard operating procedures and protocols in a timely manner.
• Must have strong organizational, observational and listening skills. 
• Ability to give and comprehend written and oral instructions, to accurately carry out such instructions and record observation intelligently.
• Understanding of AZA accreditation and USDA standards. Able to recognize inspection concerns and address issues with minimal guidance.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally, in writing and present to a variety of groups. 
• Ability to enter accurately animal daily reports using in house computer program and be knowledgeable with Species 360/ZIMS.
• Must check emails regularly and respond in a timely manner including but not limited to surveys and questionnaires.

Communication/Relationships:

• Liaison between management and keeper staff as needed. Is honest and forthcoming to Animal management with information regarding accomplishments, issues and challenges.
• Provide mentorship to animal care keeper staff under the guidance of Animal Care management.
• Strong organizational and communication skills. The ability to accurately report daily information written, orally and with computer programs.
• Provide solutions to challenges presented and have open, honest dialogue with management to ensure the safety of the animals and humans.

Safety:

• Ability to work with potentially dangerous animals under the Two Key/Two Lock/Two Keeper and Lock Out Tag Out Engineering Control systems.
• Must be capable of emergency response handling to avoid injury to self, humans, and animals while remaining calm under pressure.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in the event of an unpredictable situation and follow through until situation is over. 

Guest Service/Public Relations:

• Deliver uncompromising excellence in animal care, well-being and guest engagement.
• Develop and initiate engaging animal programs and interaction with guests of all ages.
• Ability to speak in public and give animal presentations to public both informally and formally. 
• Ability to pay attention to the details of habitats and perception of animals for an optimal guest experience.

Leadership/Knowledge Specific Tasks, Duties, Responsibilities:

• Observation and reporting on all assigned animals to Animal Care Management.
• Dietary observations with a knowledge of nutritional requirements for assigned species.
• Knowledgeable with natural behaviors knowledge of assigned species.
• Training staff on area SOP’s, ensuring training protocols of staff and animal are being adhered to.
• Provide leadership in emergency situations while remaining calm.
• Assist Animal Care leadership as needed in support of area tasks/projects including but not limited to: ordering of supplies, animal procedures, animal programs, scheduling and communication to other TLD staff.
• Assist and implement breeding protocols, diet revisions, habitat designs, landscaping, irrigation and habitat maintenance.
• Assess on a regular basis assigned animals’ level of performance to ensure a set number of animals for programs, as determined by Animal Care Management.
• Assist in acquisition/de-acquisition of animal collection by training, capture, restraining, crating of animal, loading, for transportation and shipment. 
• Train, assist and supervise work of volunteers/interns and ensure their safety while performing these duties, under direction of Animal Care Management.
• Ensure assigned areas and holding spaces, are in good appearance paying attention to detail for guest viewing at all times and animal, keeper and guest safety.
• Able to fulfill all duties described in Animal Care Keeper job description.

Animal Care Keeper Tasks, Duties & Responsibilities:

• General knowledge of zoo animal husbandry, biology and observational skills.
• Motivated, self-starter who can work with minimal supervision. Should also be able to work with others in a team setting.
• Perform cleaning and maintenance of assigned habitats, make minor repairs, and habitat modifications when needed including in emergency situations.
• Participates with the daily behavioral husbandry, operant conditioning and enriching experiences of animal residents.
• Ability to use critical thinking skills to trouble shoot issues and reveal solutions to move the animal team forward. Present solutions to Animal Care Management.
• Daily observation of animal residents for injury, illness, aggression, stress, breeding activity, diet intake and fecal consistency.
• Daily cleaning of animal enclosures, service areas and holding spaces, and support areas utilizing various tools, instruments, disinfectants; and with the ability to do so safely. 
• Diet preparation, feeding and restocking of feed supplies as needed and as prescribed.
• General maintenance of habitats, service/support areas and holding spaces such as: fence/enclosure repair, decoration, furniture, mister system, automatic drinkers, shade cloth, fill holes etc. 
• Responsible for care of supplies, resources and zoo property.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean and tidy work space including but not limited to common areas, desk areas and restrooms.
• Maintain accurate time cards and approve in a timely manner.
• Must check emails regularly and respond in a timely manner including but not limited to surveys and questionnaires.
• Must actively participate in required training exercise drills and debriefs. 
• Provide engaging behind the scenes experiences for guests, donors, zoo camp, team members, colleagues or any other group requested by management.
• Capture and restraint of animals for shipping/loading or routine/non-routine medical procedures; captures animals by hand, net, catch pole, or by corralling them under direction of Animal Care leadership.
• As assigned, assist Veterinary Services with medical treatments such as prescribed medication/treatments, weighing/measuring, surgery, hand injections, restraint/capture of animals, prepare & administer any required medications &/or supplements, collect fecal, urine & other samples as requested by the veterinarian.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and remain levelheaded in emergency situations. 
• Keep accurate and detailed records of daily observations of area animals residents containing information regarding behavior, diet intake, fecal output, behavior, health, weight, breeding behavior, aggression, behavioral enrichment, capture/restraint, prescribed medical treatments in-house. 
• Work with animal residents on a one-to-one basis to train behaviors for animal management and educational programming according to accepted training protocols. 
• Research the animal species; research scientific journals, observe and recognize a variety of courtship behaviors; creates environments that induce breeding where appropriate and recommended.
• Monitor incubation process of eggs and/or hand rearing of neonates as necessary; keep appropriate records.
• Recognize signs of pest infestation in animal areas and combat pests as directed. 
• Attend and participate in staff meetings to discuss the needs of the animal residents and animal staff, resolve problems and learn of new procedures and policies. 
• Excellent guests service and communication skills for effective & engaging public speaking. Gives knowledgeable and engaging tour/talks for guests, staff and donors.
• Participate in guest education programs on or off-site, formal and informal animal presentations and outreach programs, scheduled and impromptu keeper talks and provide accurate, effective and engaging presentations. Assist Animal Care leadership with development of educational material.
• Assist other departments (i.e. Development/Marketing, Special Events, and Education) in their duties by providing educational or animal programs or appearances for the media, promotional events, donors or on/off-site events, as assigned by Animal Care Management.
• Contribute and maintain a safe, positive and productive workplace environment for animals, guests and staff.
• Able to establish and maintain effective and professional working relations with co-workers and other department personnel, and to do so in accordance with The Living Desert Employee Handbook.
• Communication skills for effective working relationships with all Zoo staff and outside professionals. Courteous with guests, staff and volunteers at all times while representing the institution at the highest standard of professionalism.
• Familiar with USDA & AZA regulations & complying with them.
• Provides assistance to other departments as needed. 
• Other related responsibilities as necessary to accomplish department objectives. 

Lead Keeper Criteria:

• Eligible to apply for Animal Care Lead Keeper after completing two years in an Animal Care Keeper role or equivalent experience
• Must be a cooperative and collaborative team member with a great guest service attitude.
• Must have critical thinking skills while being flexible to handle interruptions and requests for information
• Must be a self-starter, take initiative with efficient time management skills while possessing a high level of multi-tasking ability under pressure with limited supervision
• Works to preserve and provide a positive work place including actively stopping negative talk and speculation
• Must consistently score above average on Annual Performance Evaluations; see Animal Care Team Criteria for details
• Must take a lead role annually on a major project as determined by Animal Care Management
• Provides mentorship and training to animal care keeper staff including with positive reinforcement training projects
• Must provide and accept crucial, productive feedback
• Consistently works in a safe manner and proactively looks for safer processes
• Acts as a role model for others to emulate as an excellent team member; takes a lead role in training new animal area team members in routines, policies and procedures
• Provides mentorship and guidance for interns including ownership of process, organization and communications
• Must be able to remain calm while working under high pressure conditions including but not limited to emergencies, personnel challenges, scheduling and deadlines

Requirements

Qualifications:

• AA, AS or higher degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree and at least one year of exotic animal experience preferred. Bachelor degree preferred.
• Experience with animal training and public presentations a plus. 
• Will substitute training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities. Generally, one year of full time exotic animal experience will translate to one year of college. 
• Valid California driver license. 
• Must be insurable on The Living Desert's automobile policy. 
• Covid vaccination plus one booster required.
• Annual TB test with negative reading required. 

Equipment Used:

PC computer, general office equipment, telephone, radio, electric and gas cart, vehicles including but not limited to medium to heavy equipment such as Bobcat equipment, tractor, pepper spray (Counter Assault Bear Deterrent),rake, shovel, wheel barrow, catch pole, capture net, baffle board, snake hook, weight scale, garden hose, small hand held and power tools such as hammer, screwdriver, drill, wire cutters etc.

Working Conditions:

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS: Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting up to 50lbs. 

TYPICALWORKING CONDITIONS: Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, and dust/airborne materials. Work with potentially dangerous animals (i.e. large ungulates, carnivores, venomous animals). 

HOLIDAY WORK: Holiday and weekend work required. 

TRAVEL: Occasional conference and workshop attendance available, if funding available. Some or all expenses paid. 

Perks of the Job:

· Starting pay: $25.99/hour (non-exempt), with opportunities for professional growth and leadership development. 

· Work from a brand-new $10 million office complex within a stunning 80-acre desert oasis campus, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Coachella Valley — with easy access to mountains, ocean, lakes, and vibrant city life.

·  Lead groundbreaking projects that revolutionize animal care, habitat design, and conservation efforts.

· Receive competitive compensation and a medical/dental/vision benefits package fully paid for by the zoo.

·  Enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and family membership to the zoo. 

·  Receive a yearly stipend for work footwear and up to a $35 reimbursement towards a professional affiliation of your choice. 

· Be part of an inclusive, innovative culture shaping the future of modern zoos.

·  Experience unique, hands-on opportunities to work with and learn from incredible animals and team members. 

·  Make a real and lasting impact on global wildlife conservation efforts through participation in our Agents of Conservation program, where team members can engage directly in species-saving projects. 

Why Join The Living Desert?

You’ll join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to protecting desert species and inspiring others to care for the natural world. At The Living Desert, every day is a chance to make a difference — for the animals, the guests, and the planet.

Apply Today!

If you’re ready to lead with purpose, care with passion, and inspire conservation, we want to hear from you!
Join The Living Desert’s Wildlife Connections team and help us create unforgettable experiences that connect hearts and minds to the wonders of the desert world.

Join the Movement!

If you're ready to embark on this exciting journey into the Zoo of the Future, we want to hear from you! 

To apply, visit our website www.livingdesert.org/careers and submit your resume, three professional references, and a compelling cover letter detailing why you're the perfect fit for the Animal Care Lead Keeper Wildlife Connections position.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.