Keeper II

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s HIIZ Department is seeking an experienced, self-motivated Keeper II to join our specialized team in a regular, full-time capacity. This hands-on position provides comprehensive care for a diverse collection of aquatic animals representing Sonoran Desert and Gulf of California ecosystems across public exhibits and conservation programs. Responsibilities include daily animal husbandry, health monitoring, enrichment, aquatic life-support systems, guest engagement, and volunteer support at the stingray exhibit.

The position is open until filled, with application review beginning immediately. Selected candidates must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen and provide a satisfactory 39-month driver history report.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare and provide animal diets, including meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, commercial feeds, and forage, according to department protocols.

• Clean and fill water containers and place food in enclosures.

• Administer prescribed vitamins, medications, and supplements in food or water.

• Observe animals for signs of illness or injury and promptly report concerns to the Curator or veterinary team.

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with animal treatments and, after appropriate training, administer prescribed injections.

• Clean and disinfect animal quarters and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity controls.

• Assist with developing and reinforcing desired animal behaviors.

• Create and provide approved environmental enrichment following AZA guidelines.

• Safely transfer animals between locations or enclosures for exhibit changes, veterinary care, or programs.

• Train, manage, and provide direction to volunteers, Docents, and Education staff as appropriate.

• Answer visitor questions about animal behavior, conservation, and museum operations.

• Participate in educational activities, keeper talks, theater programs, behind-the-scenes tours, media opportunities, and off-site presentations.

• Assist other animal collection departments, maintenance, and exhibits staff as needed.

• Complete required annual training.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
No direct staff supervision. May supervise or provide direction to volunteers performing Keeper duties.

Qualifications:
A two-year degree with one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proven aquatic husbandry experience is required. Experience at an AZA-accredited facility is preferred.

Required knowledge and skills include natural history, animal capture and handling, husbandry, ecosystems, and safe animal care practices. Knowledge of the Sonoran Desert region and zoo facilities and operations is highly desirable. Candidates must be self-motivated, able to work independently or as part of a small team, and comfortable sharing knowledge in an educational environment.

Must be able to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; and communicate effectively with visitors, volunteers, and staff. Basic computer skills, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications, are required. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and solve practical problems is necessary.

Schedule and Licensing:
Must be available to work weekends and holidays and demonstrate schedule flexibility based on department needs. A valid Arizona Driver’s License or ability to obtain one is required, along with a satisfactory 39-month DMV report.

Physical Requirements:
Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, taste, and smell. Must regularly lift or move up to 10 pounds, frequently up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds, including animals, crates, food bags, boxes, and containers.

Work Environment:
Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions and potentially loud environments. Hearing protection and other PPE may be required as directed.

IDEA Commitment:
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is committed to fostering a welcoming, diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace. The Museum works to build policies, hiring practices, programs, and a culture that promote representation, opportunity, belonging, and respect. All employees share responsibility for supporting inclusion and addressing bias.

This description provides a general overview of the position and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties or requirements.