Job Postings

Zookeeper

Facility

Roger Williams Park Zoo

Closing Date
August 25, 2019
Description

Roger Williams Park Zoo of Providence, Rhode Island, one of the nation’s oldest zoos and exhibiting over 100 animal species, is currently recruiting for a full-time Zookeeper. Under the direct supervison of up-line personnel, our Zookeepers are responsible for the general welfare and feeding of zoo animals.

Responsibilities:
•Prepares food, feeds, and provides water to the animals.
•Assumes immediate responsibility for the general welfare of animals in accordance with USDA and AZA guidelines.
•Regularly inspects animals and reports sickness, injuries, or any other changes in their condition to the appropriate up-line personnel.
•Assists as directed in medicating, capturing, crating, and transporting animals; assists veterinarian department with animal restraint and procedures as needed.
•Cooperates in zoo sponsored research and educational projects and projects.
•Cooperates in establishing, modifying, and dismantling of exhibits and displays.
•Cleans and maintains the animal cages, exhibits, pens, pools and ponds, exhibit buildings and zoo grounds associated with exhibits including roads and paths within the perimeter fence of the animal areas. Service may be required on exhibits and animals outside of zoo grounds (temporary exhibits, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, etc.).
•As directed, is responsible for environmental enrichment, training, and conditioning of targeted species.
•As directed, assists in training new Zookeepers and educational interns in the functions and workings of their area of responsibility.
•Participates in employee training programs.
•Checks and secures cages, exhibits, gates, doors, locks, and exhibit buildings for security.
•Performs customary maintenance and repairs on cages, fences, equipment, etc., and submits work order to appropriate up-line personnel if unable to accomplish maintenance or repairs.
•Assists in pest control.
•As directed, maintains accurate records, prepares reports, maintains inventories, and picks up food when necessary.
•Acts as ambassador for the zoo, advising the public on viewing, feeding, and touching animals.
•As directed, is responsible for public safety during a crisis (fire, escape, etc.) on zoo grounds.
•Must be available to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, overtime, and be on call for emergency situations.
•Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Pre-requisites

Education and Experience Required:
*A degree from an accredited college or university in zoology, animal science or related field and two (2) years previous animal care experience in a zoo or aquarium setting, or four (4) years animal care experience in a zoo or aquarium setting.

Skills and Aptitudes:
•Familiarity with USDA and AZA guidelines.
•Must test negative for Tuberculosis and have a current Rabies vaccination.
•Familiarity and knowledge of animal enrichment, animal physiology, temperament, reproductive cycles, physical needs, and behavior for a wide variety of animal species.
•Working knowledge of the prevention and precautionary actions that must be taken against various zoonotic diseases within the collection.
•Ability to handle and control animals; familiarity with animal escape and crisis procedure and proficiency with the use of capture equipment.
•Ability to maintain accurate records, understand and follow complex directions, and learn new skills.
•Proficiency in using hand and power tools, physical capability to perform heavy manual labor, and willingness to work shifts and weekends.

Additional Requirements:
•Must possess and maintain a valid State Driver’s License.
•Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with the public and knowledgeable to answer their questions.
•Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds.
•Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job.

Compensation and benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package!

Application instructions

Interested candidates are encouraged to send a cover letter and resume to:
Roger Williams Park Zoo
ATTN: Zookeeper Search
1000 Elmwood Ave
Providence, RI 02907
-or-
employment@rwpzoo.org