Facility
Metro Richmond Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Under the guidance of the lead keepers, zookeepers are responsible for providing high-quality care to all animals at the Metro Richmond Zoo including all species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Zookeepers prepare and distribute diets, clean exhibits, provide enrichment, and more.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
– Oversee daily husbandry for a wide variety of animals in zookeeper’s area
– Prepare and distribute regular and special animal diets
– Properly clean, disinfect, and maintain animal exhibits
– Spray, scrub, sweep, rake, shovel animal feces
– Prepare and distribute animal enrichment items
– Understand and maintain safety standards for animals, guests, and team members
– Observe animals daily to monitor health and well-being
– Observe animals daily to monitor for illness or injury and report appropriately to vet team and lead keepers
– Assist vet team as needed with administering medications, providing treatment, and handling animals
– Identify maintenance issues and resolve or report as necessary
– Document animal records with accuracy
– Assist in animal emergencies
– Daily interaction with public through the use of ambassador animals, keeper talks, and up-close experiences
– Lead education programs (zoo to you, behind-the-scenes tours, school presentations, animal encounters)
– Assist the zoo in any other duties
Education and Pre-requisites
Zookeepers must:
– Be at least 18 years old
– Have a Bachelor’s degree or higher or have a high school degree with at least 2 years of paid animal experience
– Have a valid driver’s license
– Be self-motivated in work ethic and be willing to learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly
– Be reliable and show initiative
– Be able to work outdoors in all weather from 0°F to over 100°F
– Be able to communicate clearly in written and verbal forms
– Have good interpersonal skills
– Be able to interact with guests in a courteous and professional manner
– Be able to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively
– Be able to maintain focus and mental stability at all times
– Be able to handle multiple tasks
– Be able to work independently and as part of a team
– Have great attention to detail
– Have a deep love for animals and their wellbeing
– Have intermediate computer skills (proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Drive)
– Be able to walk and stand and bend over for long periods of time
– Be able to navigate zoo grounds with or without a vehicle
– Be able to traverse animal exhibits by climbing, bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and crawling
– Be able to regularly move 50 lb objects
– Be able to perform duties for 8 hours a day
– Have a full range of motion in the back and all extremities
– Work in a non-smoking environment
Compensation and benefits
– Pay is based on experience
-Free zoo and zipline tickets
– Food and merchandise discounts
– Work with a variety of exotic animals
– Day-time hours (no nights)
– Variable work tasks
– Fast-paced: no dull moments
– Work outdoors and indoors
– Career advancement opportunities
– Medical
– Retirement with company match
– PTO
– Some paid holidays
– The zoo can assist zookeepers with housing if needed
Application instructions
1. Complete employment application found at https://metrorichmondzoo.com/employment/
2. Prepare resume and optional cover letter
3. Email both documents to employment@metrorichmondzoo.com and include the position you are applying for in the subject bar