Facility

Austin Zoo

Closing Date

Description

The position requires a dedicated individual who will take direction from the Curator and/or Director in carrying out daily animal husbandry, exhibit and holding area management and keeper chats/encounters as scheduled. Keeper II/Keeper III will be trained through all areas of the zoo. Starting level/pay will be based on years of experience.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• All aspects of Animal Husbandry including but not limited to cleaning, feeding, medicating, enrichment, training, handling/restraint, etc.
• Keeper chats/encounters as scheduled. Public media as requested by Curator/Director.
• Maintains records pertaining to feeding, water quality analysis, behavioral observations, training activities, medical procedures, etc.
• Cooperates with Animal Health staff for animal health issues, treatments, veterinary procedures, transfers and crating.
• Reports facility needs to Curator/Director in a timely way.
• Adherence to area specific standard operating procedures (SOP’s) including safety.
• Must be able to maintain discretion with confidential information.
• Good knowledge of species-specific enrichment and training protocols.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Pre-requisites

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s Degree in biology or a related field is required with specific knowledge of animal husbandry and behavioral conditioning.
• Keeper II: 3-5 years of experience working with animals in a zoo or aquarium setting.
• Keeper III: 5+ years of experience working with animals in a zoo or aquarium setting.
• A valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include weekends and/or evenings and holidays.
• Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis.
• Knowledge of Word Processing and Spreadsheet software.
• Must have good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to perform all husbandry tasks for all species within the facility.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• In good health and capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
• No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work.
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
• Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and be able to move up to 100lbs.
• Immuno-competence (possible exposure to zoonotic infections/disease).
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
• Proof of rabies vaccination preferred.

Compensation and benefits

Salary starts at $14.00-16.00 depending on Keeper level and will commensurate with experience. Monthly insurance stipend.

Application instructions

Please send cover letter and resume to info@austinzoo.org