Zookeeper I
Location
Houston, Texas, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
3+ years
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Posted
38m ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Zookeeper I is responsible for the daily care and husbandry of assigned animals, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and administering medications. This role involves maintaining detailed records, applying animal behavior principles, and participating in public interactions to support the Houston Zoo's mission of wildlife conservation.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Houston Zoo is seeking a Zookeeper II to support daily animal husbandry, enclosure maintenance, and program objectives under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor. The position is responsible for animal care, exhibit upkeep, training, enrichment, recordkeeping, public engagement, teamwork, and conservation activities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide daily care for assigned animals, including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, and upkeep of support facilities.
Maintain clean, organized exhibits, holding areas, service areas, equipment, and keeper spaces.
Prepare and provide species-appropriate diets according to established feeding practices and diet sheets.
Administer prescribed medications, supplements, and treatments under veterinary and supervisory direction.
Monitor and report abnormal animal health or behavioral conditions to the Zoo Supervisor.
Maintain daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research records, and veterinary documentation using established guidelines, TRACKS, and Microsoft Office.
Apply operant conditioning and basic enrichment principles to the daily management of assigned species.
Maintain water quality for aquatic or semi-aquatic species through filtration, chemical balance, and sanitation when required.
Maintain live exhibit plantings, remove weeds and toxic plants, and support exhibit aesthetics.
Assist with pest control through exclusion methods or traps when directed.
Identify maintenance and safety concerns and report them to the Zoo Supervisor.
Participate in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations, demonstrations, and other public interactions.
Support departmental research, conservation, AZA, industry activities, and Zoo projects as directed.
Demonstrate strong teamwork and communication across teams and departments.
Safely operate a motor vehicle when required.
Demonstrate proficiency in assigned duties and work areas within established timeframes.
Train and mentor teenage volunteers and Zoo Crew and assist with team projects.
Develop leadership skills through feedback and professional resources.
Support the Zoo's conservation mission by reducing waste and water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife-protecting actions.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in zoology, biology, animal husbandry, or a related field.
Education and experience may be considered equivalent at six months of experience per 15 college-level credit hours, up to 60 hours.
An acceptable animal care program certificate may substitute for a bachelor's degree.
Three years of animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility, including employment or internships.
Basic carpentry and mechanical skills.
Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Candidates should understand animal husbandry, operant conditioning, enrichment, animal health and behavior monitoring, recordkeeping, and exhibit maintenance. Strong communication and teamwork skills are required, along with the ability to work with other teams and departments. Familiarity with TRACKS and Microsoft Office is required for recordkeeping responsibilities. The position also requires an understanding of the conservation role of AZA zoos and the importance of protecting wildlife in the wild.
ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO:
Houston Zoo cares for more than 6,000 animals and welcomes over 2 million guests annually. Staff support animal care, medical needs, education, guest experiences, conservation, and daily Zoo operations. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
BENEFITS:
Full-time regular employees receive medical and prescription drug, vision, dental, employer-paid basic life and AD&D, employer-paid short- and long-term disability, supplemental life, FSA/HSA, and 401(k) with employer match. Full-time and part-time regular employees also receive Zoo membership, guest passes, discounts on food, merchandise, attractions, admission and programs, and free parking.
Updated 38m ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
3+ 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
Houston Zoo
Team size
Growing team
Location
Houston, Texas, United States
The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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Zookeeper I
Houston, Texas, United States • Full Time