Job Description

Job Location: Omaha Zoo - Omaha, NE 68107
Position Type: Full TimeJob Title: Sea Lion Keeper
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Classification: Full-time
Hours: 40 hours/week; 5 days/week
Pay Rate: Range starts at $18.62/hour

Summary:
This is a unique opportunity to join our state-of-the-art exhibit, Owen Sea Lion Shores. This position will assist in all necessary animal care, training, and husbandry work. This position reports directly to the Sea Lion Supervisor.
Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):
- Responsible for the daily care of the departments animal collection, record keeping, animal enrichment, animal training, monitoring behavior, changes in animal health, and some exhibit maintenance.
- Aid in maintaining standardized training and enrichment programs, including goal development and record keeping. This includes assessing, developing, implementing, and evaluating training and enrichment practices that enhance the daily animal husbandry of all collection animals, and meets the zoos goals for educational and animal encounter opportunities.
- Respect institutional guidelines regarding progressive animal welfare and aid in regular assessments of the well-being of the animals.
- Maintain good communication with personnel in the zoo's Behavioral Husbandry and Wellbeing Department, integrating their team into development of training, enrichment, and welfare goals.
- Participate in daily team discussions and activities to aid in the growth and professional development of the team.
- Aid area supervisor in the management of breeding and nutritional programs.
- Assist in administering veterinary care.
- Assist other zoo departments, whenever needed.
- Assist with some mechanical repairs and maintenance work, within the department.
- Cleaning all off-exhibit areas and will also be expected to assist with the cleaning of areas visible to the public.
- Provide interactive guest experiences including public speaking for presentations and events.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrates a knowledge of current industry resources addressing animal welfare practices, training methods, and progressive enrichment techniques.
- Must have a general knowledge of animal husbandry.
- Previous work experience with pinnipeds and/or personal experience and participation in animal training and enchainment programs are highly recommended.
- Extensive knowledge of operant conditioning, comprehending basic and advanced training terminology, reinforcement scenarios, and techniques.
- Be able to detail a personal history of successfully training animals for complex behavioral goals, and describe any mentoring other trainers in developing similar skills.
- Demonstrate an understanding of natural history and range of species-typical behaviors.
- Must be capable of utilizing Microsoft Office software and have the ability to research training journals and training developments to aid the department in staying progressive.
- Must have good oral and written communication skills.
Candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, and must possess a valid drivers license with a good history.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort:
- Work in all weather conditions including but not limited to; low/high temperature, sun, snow, ice wind, rain; mud and/or dust.
- Safely and responsible use yard equipment, power and hand tools.
- Work 40 hours a week, which may include weekends and holidays.
- Ability to lift, push, pull and or move up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 70 pounds occasionally.
- Perform heavy manual labor.
DISCLAIMER
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.