Animal Keeper 1
Penguin Coast, Africa Barn
Location
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
1+ years
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Posted
4h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Animal Keeper 1 provides daily care and maintenance for animals and their exhibits, including husbandry, feeding, and observation. This role involves collaborative work with colleagues, maintaining electronic records, participating in training programs, and ensuring compliance with safety and animal welfare standards.
Animal Keeper 1 – Penguin Coast/Africa Barn
General Summary
Provides daily care, husbandry, and maintenance for animals, exhibits, and holding areas. Works collaboratively with keepers and Zoo staff to support departmental and Zoo-wide initiatives, conservation, education, sustainability, ESG, and DEAI goals. Reports to the Area Manager and General Curator.
Essential Functions
Provides daily food, water, husbandry, and basic animal care according to area standards.
Observes animal behavior and physical condition and promptly reports concerns.
Transfers animals between enclosures following established safety procedures.
Provides approved enrichment and participates in animal training programs.
Maintains electronic records of animal health, behavior, enrichment, and training.
Participates in welfare assessments, behavior/research projects, and approved data collection.
Assists with veterinary procedures, escape drills, and animal recapture incidents as directed.
Inspects exhibits, holding areas, equipment, and buildings for safety or structural concerns.
Performs minor repairs and maintenance as needed.
Maintains cleanliness of animal areas, public spaces, buildings, and back-of-house areas.
Implements pest-control measures in accordance with Zoo procedures.
Complies with AZA standards, USDA regulations, and all Zoo policies and procedures.
May train new staff on routine area procedures under appropriate supervision.
Communication & Guest Engagement
Completes and reviews daily records and area updates.
Monitors Zoo communications and provides timely updates regarding animal concerns.
Participates in team meetings, discussions, and debriefings.
Follows Zoo policies regarding confidentiality and social media.
Engages guests and communicates the Zoo’s conservation mission and messages.
Resource Management
Properly stores and uses animal food and medications.
Safely operates and maintains radios, phones, vehicles, tools, and animal-care equipment.
Reports equipment, vehicle, or facility issues promptly.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or related field strongly preferred.
At least one year of animal-care experience; applicable species and zoo experience preferred.
Knowledge of current animal training and behavior-management practices.
Ability to collect, organize, and interpret animal behavior data.
Familiarity with electronic communication and recordkeeping.
Valid driver’s license required.
Preferred Traits
Works effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Able to work independently and collaboratively with strong time-management skills.
Organized, self-directed, detail-oriented, and dependable.
Positive attitude and commitment to the Zoo’s mission.
Equipment
Must be able to safely operate computers, telephones, radios, vehicles, hand tools, animal restraint/capture equipment, incubators, scales, gardening/carpentry tools, and related equipment.
Working Conditions
Lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted and 75 lbs. with assistance; climb ladders carrying up to 15 lbs.
Stand and remain active for an eight-hour shift and perform frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, climbing, and balancing.
Walk throughout large Zoo areas as needed.
Work weekends, holidays, special events, and flexible schedules.
Work outdoors in varying weather, including heat, humidity, cold, and wet conditions.
Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, animal attacks, environmental hazards, insects, and other occupational risks.
Initial TB test and physical examination required.
Benefits
Excellent benefits package including 24 days of PTO, Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays. Eligible employees may receive medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance, plus a 401(k) with employer match.
Updated 4h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
1+ 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
Compensation not disclosed
Benefits and perks
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Maryland Zoo
Team size
Growing team
Location
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
The Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer committed to saving wildlife, protecting wild places, and contributing to environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.
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Animal Keeper 1
Baltimore, Maryland, United States • Full Time