Facility

Houston Zoo

Closing Date

Description

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

This position is ideal for an experienced herpetology zookeeper that has hands on experience at supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry of the animals and the maintenance of animal exhibits within the specified area.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
 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, equipment, and keeper areas.
 Maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi-aquatic animal species.
 Maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics and provide a comfortable environment for animals; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures.
 In conjunction with the Zoo’s pest control officer, may assist in pest control through the use of exclusion or traps.
 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 supervisor.
 Maintains daily reports, logs, research or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with Microsoft Office software applications.
 Understands and applies a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under his/her care.
 Understands and applies the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under his/her care.
 Identifies any potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the supervisor.
 Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the Supervisor.
 Assists with department research projects as directed by the supervisor or curator and provides support to other Zoo projects as needed.
 May oversee work activities and/or provide training for interns, seasonal workers, or volunteers.
 May participate in conservation, AZA, or other industry activities as approved by the supervisor.
 Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.
May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Education and Pre-requisites

KNOWLEDGE:
 Two-year or four-year degree in one of the natural sciences or a closely related discipline is preferred.
OR
 A certificate of completion from an acceptable animal care program of not less than 30 semester hours is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:
 Two-year or four-year degree in one of the natural sciences or a closely related discipline or a certificate of completion from an acceptable exotic animal care program of not less than 30 semester hours is preferred.
 One year of experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment, internships, or volunteer experience.
 Specific training and work experience in other settings, such as aquaculture, schools, nature centers, agricultural operations, or conservation centers may be considered on a case-by-case basis as fulfillment for the experience requirements.
 Strong interpersonal, team-building, and communication skills.
 Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

E-mail resume and completed application to careers@houstonzoo.org

Visit www.houstonzoo.org/careers to download an application