Zoo Jobs: Head Keeper

Head Keeper

The Head Keeper oversees the care and management of wildlife within the facility. S/he determines the acquisition of wildlife, the type of enclosures to be used and ensures appropriate living conditions of the wildlife. S/he also supervises the training of wildlife, as well as their transport and monitors the acclimatization of animals to their new homes.

S/he also oversees the training of staff. The Head Keeper will supervise three Keepers.

Specifically, the Head Keeper will:

Observe daily the animals and the keepers at work
Assist keepers when necessary
Produce keepers’ working schedule
Produce and implement the enrichment program
Guide, train and supervise all keepers and their daily reporting
Ensure the respect of security, feeding, biosecurity, enrichment plan, … protocols
Be able to replace a missing keeper in the daily operation of the facility
Organize team meeting when appropriate
Report problems with staff and animals
Supervise and/or perform animal hand-rearing