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Regional hiringpublishedExternal employer
ZG
Zoological GardensAnimal Welfare

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

Animal Husbandry • 1+ yrs
Animal Behavior Observation • 1+ yrs
Animal Handling & Restraint • 1+ yrs
Diet Preparation & Administration • 1+ yrs
Record Keeping • 1+ yrs
Enrichment Implementation • 1+ yrs
Equipment Operation • 1+ yrs
Interpersonal Communication • 1+ yrs

Experience

0-2 years

Certifications

Texas Driver's License • Required
Bloodborne Pathogens Training • Required
HazCom Training • 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

$16 - $20 per hour

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodHourly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationAbilene, Texas, United States of America
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium6/10
physicalHigh9/10
cognitiveMedium7/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium5/10
uncertaintyMedium6/10
communicationMedium7/10

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.

Zookeeper I

Abilene, Texas, United States of AmericaFull Time