Facility
Austin Zoo, Austin, Texas
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
This 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.
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.
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.
• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination required.
Education and Pre-requisites
• 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 paid experience working with exotic animals.
• Keeper III: 5+ years of paid experience working with exotic animals.
• 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.
Compensation and benefits
Starting pay for Keeper II/Keeper III is $16.00/hour, and will be based on years of experience. After the 90-day probation period, regular full-time employees are eligible for health insurance dollars received each month. Austin Zoo has an accident plan for accidental work-related on-the-job injuries. Accrual of vacation and sick days weekly may be used after the 90-day probation period. Employees are paid weekly.
Application instructions
Send cover letter and resume to info@austinzoo.org