Job Details | Lead Keeper, Hamill Family Play Zoo

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Chicago Zoological Society

Location: BrookfieldIL 60513 Document ID: AB304-0JJ9 Posted on: 2017-10-0110/01/2017 Job Type: Regular

Job Schedule:Full-time
2017-10-31
 

Lead Keeper, Hamill Family Play Zoo

Becausethe Chicago Zoological Society reaches millions of visitors each year, and evenmore through neighborhood and global outreach, and because each of those peopleconnects with countless others - our potential to change the world is profound,and our responsibility to do so is essential. Chicago Zoological Society, Humane Certifiedby the American Humane Association, has been awarded Association of Zoos andAquariums' Quarter Century Award recognizing Brookfield Zoo's commitment tomaintaining the highest standards in animal care, welfare, management,veterinary care, conservation, education, facilities, safety, staffing, guestservices, and dedication to best modern zoological practices andphilosophies. Hamill Family Play Zoo isa Certified Nature Explore Classroom. The Hamill Family PlayZoo, Wild Encounters and Animal Ambassador Program Supervisory Keepers areresponsible for the supervision of 12 full-time and 12 seasonal keeper staff aswell as 10-12 interns that rotate through the department each year. Thedepartment conducts a high level in both quality and numbers of guestexperiences and programming throughout the year and the supervisory keepers areresponsible for maintaining a detailed and accurate daily schedule. Thesupervisory keepers, in conjunction with the departmental curator oversee allof the staff and animal training, program development and evaluation, day today of staff supervision, staff coaching and growth, maintaining the operationsas well as interfacing with Brookfield Zoo's Public Relation, Advancement,Events Management and Conservation, Training and Education Departments andPlants and Facilities. The lead keepers need to be proficient and skilledat working in a very dynamic and ever changing department as well as beingcable of managing day to day stress and keeping the staff focus on animal care,training, programming and overall team building. The Lead Keeper, Hamill Family Play Zoo contributes tothe success of the Chicago Zoological Society by providing experienced care foranimals and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, andinterpretives in assigned area, under the direction of area managers orsupervisors. Perform a widevariety of departmental supervisory activities, including supervising andinstructing Keepers in assigned area and to support innovations in ConservationLeadership and Animal Welfare. Relieve other Lead Keepers as directed. Perform all routine duties independently and new duties with minimaldirection.
Responsibilities: Perform in aproactive leadership role and communicate regularly with areasupervisors/managers regarding animal management, facility maintenance, andstaff supervision and development. Assist in departmental hiring,scheduling, and work assignments, and the development of departmental goals andplans. Establish work priorities for the department. Routinelymonitor and review the work performance of keeper staff in assigned area, andensure completion of tasks in a timely and effective fashion. Prepareand conduct performance appraisals as assigned. Responsible for currentanimal and equipment inventory. Verify employee work schedules. Providewritten reports as assigned. Handle personnel situations in a timely,objective, and consistent manner and in accordance with Society policies and theunion contract. Order, prepare, and distribute food to animal areas asrequired. Ensure compliance with all Society policies and procedures. Observe assigned animals closely and objectively. Apply knowledgeand prior experiences to affect or implement change where appropriate. Maintain and utilize animal records. Observe condition of assignedarea(s), animal enclosures, and equipment. Monitor and clean publicspace(s), plants, and interpretives as required. Report maintenance needsas appropriate, and perform minor maintenance tasks. Clean animalenclosures, pools, and service areas as required. Maintain detailed andcurrent knowledge of natural history, husbandry, and captive management ofspecies and individuals in assigned areas. Maintain proficiency in arearoutines and specialized procedures. Monitor guests to ensure animal andhuman safety and protection of Society property. Communicate with andassist guests. Take initiative to facilitate guests' appreciation ofanimals and enjoyment of their visit. Demonstrate knowledge of andimplement Society-wide and area emergency procedures as directed. Trainand direct work of interns, seasonal employees, and full-time keeper staff asassigned. Other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications
Requirements: Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience required. Minimum 4 years Keeper experience or equivalent required. Experience with native North American and/or farm animals preferred; strong operant conditioning skills a plus. Additional qualifications and experience may be preferred or required depending upon the specific animals and work area where the keeper will be working. Generally, previous work experience with assigned taxa will be preferred. Detailed and current knowledge of natural history and principles of animal behavior and husbandry required. Must be able to work with live animals safely. Incumbent must demonstrate proficiency in perceiving and acting upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions. Must be knowledgeable in the management of captive populations including related AZA conservation programs.

Must possess a track record of exemplary performance as a supervisory keeper or have equivalent, relevant experience. Strong supervisory skills. Demonstrated ability to promote good morale and productivity in the workplace. Proven ability to train and direct the work of interns, seasonal employees, and full-time keeper staff. Demonstrated ability to effectively mediate routine personnel issues and conflicts between staff. Must be able to serve in a leadership role in directing the management and operations within assigned area, and ensure short-term goals are developed and achieved. Solicit input on improving operations and animal management procedures. Demonstrated capacity to guide the professional development of co-workers. Must be able to maintain confidentiality with regard to personnel and other privileged matters.

Strong public speaking skills preferred; experience and enjoyment with public speaking skills and public interaction preferred. Good communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner. Must be able to maintain good working relationships with staff at all levels, internal and external to Animal Programs. Must be able to communicate effectively and promptly with co-workers, managers, and guests following appropriate communication channels. Successful candidate will be able to work effectively with children and families.

Good time management skills. Must demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and responsibility in use of time. Ability and willingness to learn Society conservation programs as they apply to assigned areas. Must be reliable. Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to perform assigned routines and specialized procedures as directed. Must possess a proven record of consistently and accurately performing job duties.

Additional Information
Requirements continued:

Ability to work in a fast pace and ever-changing work group preferred. Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently. Must be proficient in learning and integrating information, knowledge, and direction quickly, and completing tasks as needed. Good decision-making skills. Ability to integrate and apply knowledge and prior experiences to affect or implement changes and make sound independent judgments where appropriate. Good problem-solving skills. Must be able to identify problems and utilize appropriate information to develop solutions. Must possess a track record of demonstrating initiative in analyzing and solving problems, and recommending ideas and viable suggestions to improve operations. Demonstrated record of making recommendations and suggestions that are well thought-out and researched. Must be able to work with minimal supervision.

Basic computer literacy required. Microsoft Office suite preferred. Experience and/or ability to work and interact
effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

This is a full-time position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer
     
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