SummaryAnimal Programs Keepers are responsible for the care, husbandry, and training of the Ararat Ridge Zoos animal ambassador collection and will participate in the variety of daily animal programs at the Ark Encounter. We are looking for motivated, team-oriented individuals who are passionate about inspiring others to develop a greater appreciation for animals and upholding the learning objectives of Answers in Genesis. The ideal candidate will have strong animal training, interpersonal, and observational skills. This position will develop spiritual and professional growth goals by training animals and presenting zoo programs in a God-honoring fashion to impact guests with biblical truth.Responsibilities<ul><li>Promote the mission and standards of Answers in Genesis.</li><li>Demonstrate core values of SERVE (Serve, Equip, Relate, Value, Engage) in all work.</li><li>Approach all tasks with a second-mile mindset.</li><li>Prioritize personal integrity in all interactions and assignments.</li><li>Contribute to a positive guest experience by professionally presenting animal ambassadors to visitors in an engaging manner.</li><li>Perform all aspects of daily animal ambassador husbandry and habitat maintenance while upholding high standards of animal welfare.</li><li>Prepare animal diets and adhere to feeding schedules.</li><li>Monitor health and behavior of ambassador animals.</li><li>Assist veterinary team with medical tasks as needed and follow all safety protocols.</li><li>Create, implement, and maintain animal ambassador enrichment and training under the supervision of the Zoo Animal Programs Manager.</li><li>Carefully maintain all behavioral, dietary, enrichment, medical, and training records on AnimalCare software.</li><li>Participate in and present daily animal programs, including: shows, keeper chats, overnights, workshops, behind the scenes experiences, outreach, and media events.</li><li>Handle animal ambassadors for zoo programs in a responsible manner.</li><li>Make animal program recommendations that support the zoos vision.</li><li>Actively seek opportunities to engage guests both formally and informally.</li><li>Assist with special projects and other sections of the zoo as needed.</li><li>And all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by leadership.</li></ul>Requirements<ul><li>Diligence, honesty, and integrity in performing all animal care tasks while effectively communicating any concerns to Zoo Animal Programs Manager and veterinary team</li><li>Thorough knowledge and experience in animal training and enrichment with an emphasis on operant conditioning, positive reinforcement, and choice-based training</li><li>Strong verbal communication skills, stage presence, and comfortability on microphones</li><li>Strong written communication and record-keeping skills</li><li>Must be comfortable handling all animals, including ectotherms</li><li>Ability to bend, climb stairs, lift 50 lbs., speak and stand for long periods of time, and walk across zoo grounds, in all types of weather</li><li>Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed</li><li>Proficient with word processing and spreadsheet computer systems</li><li>Foundational knowledge of biblical apologetics and willingness to learn more</li><li>Must agree with and be able to sign our Statement of Faith</li><li>Maintains a personal relationship with Jesus Christ</li><li>Regularly attends a local Bible-believing church</li></ul>Education &amp; Experience<ul><li>Bachelors Degree in a biological science, education, or psychology; substantial experience may be considered as a substitute for a degree</li><li>Minimum two years' animal care and handling experience in a professional zoological setting, preferably with animal ambassadors</li><li>Proficiency in choice-based animal training through operant conditioning</li><li>Public speaking experience in a variety of settings for a variety of age groups</li><li>Experience with educational or interpretive zoo programs with live animals preferred</li></ul>Items Needed for Possible Employment<ul><li>Possession of a valid drivers license</li><li>A video demonstration of your animal training abilities</li><li>A minimum five-minute mock presentation video of you speaking about your favorite animal while tying in a relevant apologetics topic</li></ul>Completion of on-line application is required.&nbsp;

Animal Programs Keeper

Answers in Genesis
Williamstown, KY

Job Summary

Additional Details

Animal Programs Keeper

Answers in GenesisWilliamstown, KY

Job Summary

Additional Details

Answers in Genesis
Williamstown, KY