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Regional hiringpublishedExternal employer
LMLouisville Metro Government
Louisville Metro GovernmentRecreation

Keeper I ZU

Zoo Animal Care

Location

Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

1-2 years

Compensation

$19 - $19 per hour

Posted

3h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

This position involves providing overnight security and animal care at the zoo, including patrolling grounds, observing animals, and performing routine maintenance. Key responsibilities also include preparing and delivering animal diets, managing animal care supplies, and cleaning food preparation areas.

This position provides overnight security and animal care support at the zoo, ensuring the safety of zoo grounds while assisting with animal husbandry, food preparation, diet distribution, and facility operations. The role also supports animal care teams by maintaining food supplies, delivering diets, monitoring animals, and performing routine maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Patrol zoo grounds overnight to ensure the security of buildings, gates, and exhibits.

  • Monitor animal welfare, report unusual observations, and assist with shifting animals between holding areas.

  • Provide food, water, and after-hours care for animals as needed.

  • Prepare zoo diets following standard operating procedures using commercial kitchen equipment.

  • Procure, organize, warehouse, and distribute animal diets and care supplies.

  • Collect, package, and deliver browse (plant material) and animal feed to exhibit areas.

  • Clean and maintain food preparation and storage areas.

  • Care for feeder animals and perform euthanasia when required.

  • Collect, transport, and dispose of animal waste using specialized equipment.

  • Perform routine maintenance on zoo systems and equipment.

  • Participate in ongoing zookeeping training and assist with animal care operations.

  • Support educational programs and public demonstrations as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Option 1: One year of college coursework (including Biology, Agriculture, Zoology, or related subjects) plus one year of experience working directly with non-domesticated or exotic animals in a zoo, aquarium, wildlife park, or veterinary setting.

  • OR Option 2: High school diploma (or equivalent) plus two years of documented experience working with non-domesticated or exotic animals in an institutional setting.

  • Valid driver's license.

  • Ability to work varied schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

  • Participation in preventive healthcare and operant conditioning programs.

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs independently and heavier loads with assistance.

Working Conditions

  • Primarily outdoor work in all weather conditions.

  • Frequent exposure to animals, wildlife, dust, noise, machinery, odors, heights, and other environmental hazards.

  • Physically demanding role requiring standing, walking, lifting, digging, pushing, climbing, and other manual tasks.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment coverage, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, bereavement leave, paid parental leave, retirement through the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, tuition assistance, childcare assistance, voluntary lifestyle benefits, qualified adult benefits, and free TARC public transit access.

Updated 3h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Care • 1+ yrs
Zoo Operations • 1+ yrs
Food Preparation • 1+ yrs
Equipment Operation • 1+ yrs
Inventory Management • 1+ yrs
Routine Maintenance • 1+ yrs
Operant Conditioning • 1+ yrs
Public Education • 1+ yrs

Experience

1-2 years

Certifications

Driver's License • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Government & Public Sector
Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

$19 - $19 per hour

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodHourly

Benefits and perks

Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Parental Leave

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationLouisville, Kentucky, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium5/10
physicalHigh9/10
cognitiveMedium6/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityLow3/10
uncertaintyMedium6/10
communicationMedium5/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Louisville Metro Government

Team size

Growing team

Location

Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Louisville Metro Government is committed to providing our employees with the tools they need to lead a fit and healthy life. Aside from community-wide initiatives like the Mayor's Hike, Bike and Paddle event every Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the Healthy Hometown Movement, Metro Government provides employees with programs designed to enhance their life and well-being, like a Wellness Center that allows employees and their dependents with Metro health insurance to take care of their basic medical and health needs for a $5 co-pay. Louisville Metro Government understands that a team of healthy, vibrant employees is the greatest asset we have.

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Keeper I ZU

Louisville, Kentucky, United StatesFull Time