Zookeeper I
Location
Abilene, Texas, United States of America
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
0-2 years
Compensation
$16 - $20 per hour
Posted
1h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Zookeeper I is responsible for the daily care and well-being of multiple animal species, including husbandry, feeding, and exhibit maintenance. This role involves observing animal behavior, administering medications, maintaining records, and providing species-appropriate enrichment.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the supervision of the Supervisor – Zookeeper, the Zookeeper is responsible for the daily care, welfare, and safety of multiple animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. Duties include animal husbandry, exhibit and facility maintenance, enrichment, feeding, behavioral observation, recordkeeping, and public education. Employees may have access to controlled substances and must meet applicable background requirements.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Provide daily care for assigned animals, including feeding, cleaning, exhibit maintenance, and upkeep of holding and support areas.
Monitor animal behavior, health, appetite, injuries, and welfare; identify abnormalities and report concerns to supervisors or veterinary staff.
Provide approved, species-appropriate enrichment and positive-reinforcement training.
Prepare, store, and distribute diets according to established nutritional and zoo guidelines; assist veterinarians with dietary changes.
Maintain accurate husbandry, medical, training, welfare, and enrichment records.
Administer prescribed medications, supplements, and treatments under veterinary direction.
Maintain commissary, food storage, hay barns, supply rooms, and related facilities; assist with receiving and unloading supplies.
Safely handle, restrain, crate, capture, and move animals using approved equipment and procedures.
Train and supervise volunteers, interns, and zoo program participants as assigned.
Maintain landscaping within exhibits and safely operate lawn and maintenance equipment.
Operate zoo and City vehicles as required.
Perform routine facility maintenance and assist with exhibit construction and repairs.
Communicate professionally with visitors, answer questions, conduct keeper talks, and support educational programs and public events.
Participate in zoo meetings, training, events, and other duties assigned by management.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of general animal care, behavior, husbandry practices, safe driving, and hazards associated with zoo animals.
Ability to learn species-specific diets, training, handling, restraint, emergency procedures, and enclosure protocols.
Ability to safely operate vehicles, food grinders, lawn equipment, incubators, and animal restraint equipment.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions, maintain accurate records, communicate effectively, and work cooperatively with staff, volunteers, and the public.
Ability to recognize hazards and maintain safe practices for animals, staff, and visitors.
Ability to work independently, adapt to changing priorities, and respond appropriately to animal or public emergencies.
QUALIFICATIONS
Entry-level position; animal care experience preferred.
Associate degree or equivalent coursework in animal management, zoology, biology, or a related field preferred.
Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment, unless exempt through applicable military waiver.
Bloodborne Pathogens and HazCom training required within 60 days of employment.
No prior felony conviction related to a controlled substance.
Must be able to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and travel between work sites.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work involves exposure to indoor and outdoor conditions, heat, cold, chemicals, animals, and potentially hazardous situations. Requires heavy lifting up to 100 pounds and carrying up to 50 pounds, with frequent standing, walking, pushing/pulling, bending, kneeling, crouching, twisting, balancing, climbing, crawling, and reaching. Running or jumping may be required. Adequate vision, hearing, and field awareness are essential for safely monitoring animals, vehicles, staff, and visitors.
Updated 1h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
0-2 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$16 - $20 per hour
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Zoological Gardens
Team size
Growing team
Location
Abilene, Texas, United States of America
The Zoological Gardens houses a diverse collection of animal species including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. The organization is dedicated to the care and well-being of these animals, maintaining their exhibits and facilities, and educating the public.
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Zookeeper I
Abilene, Texas, United States of America • Full Time