Facility
Houston Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zoo Keeper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry of the animals and the maintenance of animal exhibits within a specified animal area.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities.
· Maintains clean and organized exhibits, holding areas, service areas and equipment.
· Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding practices and diet sheets.
· Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
· Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the Zoo Supervisor.
· Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with TRACKS and Microsoft Office software applications.
· Understands and applies a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under his/her care.
· Understands and applies the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under his/her care.
· Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.
· As appropriate, maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi-aquatic animal species.
· As appropriate, maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures.
· In conjunction with the Zoo’s pest control officer, may assist in pest control through the use of exclusion or traps.
· Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the Zoo
Supervisor.
· Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the Zoo Supervisor.
· May assist with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA, or other
industry activities as directed/approved by the Zoo Supervisor or Curator; provides support for other Zoo projects as needed.
· May oversee work activities and/or provide training for interns, seasonal workers, or volunteers.
· Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.
· May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle.
· Other duties as assigned
Education and Pre-requisites
• Two-year or four-year degree in one of the natural sciences or a closely related discipline or a certificate of completion from an acceptable exotic animal care program of not less than 30 semester hours is preferred.
• One year of experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment, internships, or volunteer experience.
• Specific training and work experience in other settings, such as aquaculture, schools, nature centers, agricultural operations, or conservation centers may be considered on a case-by-case basis as fulfillment for the experience requirements.
• Strong interpersonal, team-building, and communication skills.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
Visit www.houstonzoo.org/careers to download an application
E-mail resume and completed application to careers@houstonzoo.org
Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer