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DODept of Natural and Cultural Resources
Dept of Natural and Cultural ResourcesZoo/Wildlife Conservation

Zookeeper

Location

Asheboro, North Carolina, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

1+ years

Compensation

$33.9K - $44.8K per year

Posted

2h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

Join the North Carolina Zoo team to provide daily care for a diverse animal collection, maintain habitats, and monitor animal health and behavior. This role involves developing and implementing behavioral management programs, interacting with zoo guests, and ensuring accurate animal records are maintained.

Join the North Carolina Zoo during an exciting period of growth as we prepare for the opening of Asia! The North Carolina Zoo is seeking to hire multiple, talented and enthusiastic team members to join our Animal Section.


We are looking to fill Zookeeper positions in 7 different areas -

  • Asia herps - New Asia development encompassing variety of reptiles/amphibians species including Chinese giant salamander, Komodo dragon and King Cobra.

  • Asia mammals - New Asia development encompassing Malayan tiger, Asian small-clawed otter, white-cheeked gibbon, and warty pigs

  • Avian - Consists of a variety of avian species housed between three areas: Asia Avian Habitats (3), Avian Propagation building (off habitat) and Avian Barn building (off habitat).

  • Desert - Desert dome building encompassing a wide diversity of reptiles/amphibians, birds, and mammal species

  • Elephant – African elephants

  • Rocky Coast - Horned Puffins, Arctic Fox, North American Porcupine, Brown Pelican, and Polar Bear

  • Swamp - Reptiles, Amphibians, Owl, and Cougars

In addition to a rewarding work environment, Zookeepers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of conservation initiatives, involvement in Zoo committees, and other professional development opportunities. The Zoo is centrally located on a beautiful 500+ acre site in the heart of the North Carolina Piedmont plateau region and the Uwharrie Mountains. Multiple hiking trails are located on property with quick access to the Piedmont Triad cities, Appalachian Mountains, and coastal towns providing the opportunity for a positive, work-life balance.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide daily care of animal collection, maintenance of animal habitats and holding areas.

  • Conduct systematic observation and monitoring of animal health, behavior and welfare.

  • Interact with zoo guests in formal and informal setting.

  • Work as a team to develop and implement holistic behavioral management program which utilizes positive reinforcement training, behavior-based enrichment variability, and utilizing research to provide a dynamic environment for optimal animal welfare.

  • Ensure thorough and accurate animal records are maintained

  • Be an active, productive member of the team to ensure highest quality of animal care and welfare, problem solve issues and engage in decision making processes.

  • May be assigned to work with other animal species in other work units as needed.


Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

  • Demonstrated hands-on animal care experience at an AZA accredited zoo or related facility

  • Demonstrated experience with record keeping and comfort utilizing computers.

  • Keen observation skills to discern and interpret subtle changes in health, condition and behavior of animals, and to monitor breeding activity.

  • Proven communication skills to include guest interactions, public speaking, reporting, and or team interactions.

  • Experience with positive reinforcement-based operant conditioning and environmental enrichment.


Position/Physical Requirements

  • Work schedule - between the hours of 7:30am - 5:30pm, 8 - 9 hour shifts (seasonally dependent)

  • Must be able to work a rotating schedule that involves working weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts.

  • Position is considered

Updated 2h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Care • 1+ yrs
Animal Observation • 1+ yrs
Behavioral Management • 1+ yrs
Positive Reinforcement Training • 1+ yrs
Record Keeping • 1+ yrs
Computer Utilization • 1+ yrs
Communication • 1+ yrs
Animal Handling • 1+ yrs

Experience

1+ years

Certifications

Valid Driver's License • Required
SCUBA certification • 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

$33.9K - $44.8K per year

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodYearly

Benefits and perks

Paid Parental Leave

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationAsheboro, North Carolina, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium7/10
physicalHigh9/10
cognitiveHigh8/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium7/10
uncertaintyMedium6/10
communicationHigh8/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources

Team size

Growing team

Location

Asheboro, North Carolina, United States

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including the North Carolina Zoo. The North Carolina Zoo's mission is to protect wildlife and wild places and inspire people to join in conserving the natural world, encompassing both domestic and international efforts, focusing on wildlife conservation, habitat preservation and promoting environmental stewardship.

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Zookeeper

Asheboro, North Carolina, United StatesFull Time