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FWFort Wayne Zoo
Fort Wayne Zoo•Zoo

Animal Care Specialist

Location

Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

1+ years

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

Posted

8h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

The Animal Care Specialist is responsible for the daily husbandry of various animals, including hoofstock, birds, mammals, and reptiles, within the Indiana Family Farm section of the Fort Wayne Zoo. This role involves maintaining clean habitats, providing food and water, monitoring animal wellbeing, and implementing operant conditioning and enrichment strategies.

Summary

The Animal Care Specialist provides high-quality daily care for zoo animals while supporting animal welfare, husbandry, behavioral management, enrichment, and guest engagement. This role works with a variety of species, maintains animal habitats, assists with veterinary care, and contributes to a safe and positive zoo environment.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care & Husbandry

  • Feed and provide water to animals following approved protocols.

  • Clean, sanitize, and maintain animal habitats and holding areas.

  • Monitor animal health, behavior, and wellbeing, reporting concerns promptly.

  • Conduct routine wellbeing assessments and maintain accurate animal care records.

  • Collect weights and other monitoring data as required.

  • Administer prescribed treatments and assist with hand-rearing when needed.

Behavioral Management & Welfare

  • Apply operant conditioning techniques to support training and animal wellbeing.

  • Develop and implement enrichment programs and habitat furnishings that encourage natural behaviors.

  • Collaborate with supervisors and behavior management staff to improve husbandry practices and welfare standards.

  • Assist with enclosure planning, furnishing, and minor habitat repairs.

Operations & Guest Engagement

  • Operate zoo vehicles to transport animals, equipment, and supplies.

  • Maintain equipment, tools, and work areas in safe working condition.

  • Deliver educational presentations and interact professionally with guests.

  • Support zoo operations, education programs, special projects, and team initiatives.

  • Promote a welcoming, inclusive, and positive experience for visitors and colleagues.

Qualifications

Required

  • High school diploma or GED.

  • Valid driver's license.

  • Knowledge of animal care, handling, and welfare principles.

  • Ability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and flexible schedules.

Preferred

  • Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or a related field.

  • At least one year of experience in a zoological or animal care setting.

Skills

  • Knowledge of animal behavior, enrichment, and welfare assessment.

  • Strong observation, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic recordkeeping.

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.

  • Commitment to safety, professionalism, and excellent guest service.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and working in confined spaces.

  • Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.

  • Exposure to animals, zoonotic diseases, hazardous materials, insects, and potentially dangerous species.

  • Ability to safely handle and restrain animals and follow all safety protocols.

Updated 8h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Care • 1+ yrs
Operant Conditioning • 1+ yrs
Enrichment Strategy • 1+ yrs
Documentation • 1+ yrs
Troubleshooting • 1+ yrs
Time Management • 1+ yrs
Communication • 1+ yrs
Microsoft Office • 1+ yrs

Experience

1+ years

Certifications

Valid driver’s license • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodYearly

Benefits and perks

Health Insurance
Paid Parental Leave
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationFort Wayne, Indiana, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium • 7/10
physicalHigh • 9/10
cognitiveMedium • 7/10
executionHigh • 9/10
creativityMedium • 6/10
uncertaintyMedium • 7/10
communicationHigh • 8/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Fort Wayne Zoo

Team size

Growing team

Location

Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States

The Fort Wayne Zoo is accepting applications for an Animal Care Specialist to join its team, responsible for the daily husbandry of various animals.

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Animal Care Specialist

Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States • Full Time