Job Postings

Zookeeper, Birds

Facility

Houston Zoo

Closing Date
April 25, 2020
Description

A successful candidate for this position is motivated, energetic, and a team-oriented individual with proven working experience being responsible for the care and husbandry of avian species. This keeper will participate in the daily husbandry for the bird collection including diet preparation and feeding, cleaning, observations, and health assessments. They will work closely with the rest of the Bird Department staff, Veterinarians, and Veterinary Technicians.

Candidates should have an interest in and dedication to zoo based wildlife conservation. The keeper will be required to work weekends, holidays, and be able to work in inclement weather including high temperatures. Strong communication and organizational skills are necessary as well as attention to fine details.

Job Duties and 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.

•Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.

•As appropriate, maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures.

•Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.

•Will be required to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Education and Pre-requisites

Associate’s degree or two years of college level education (60 semester credit hours) in zoology, biology, animal husbandry or a related field.

•A certificate of completion from an acceptable animal care program of not less than 30 semester hours may be substituted for 30 hours of college hours.

•One year of experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment, internships, or volunteer experience.

•Experience with species in captivity, in a conservation setting.

•Experience with basic carpentry and mechanical skills.

•Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license.

Compensation and benefits

C.O.E.

Application instructions

Please visit website to complete the application process.

https://usr57.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/houstonzoo/Posting/View/368