Animal Keeper 1 (Embassy)
Location
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
1+ years
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Posted
1d ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Animal Keeper 1 (Embassy) provides daily care and maintenance for animals, their exhibits, and holding areas. This role involves observing animal behavior, maintaining electronic records, participating in training and medical procedures, and ensuring facility cleanliness and safety. The keeper collaborates with colleagues and supports the Zoo's mission in conservation, education, and DEAI goals.
Animal Keeper 1 – Embassy
The Animal Keeper 1 provides daily care, husbandry, and maintenance for assigned animals, exhibits, and holding areas. The position works collaboratively with other keepers and Zoo staff to support departmental and Zoo-wide initiatives, conservation, education, sustainability, and DEAI goals. The role reports to the Area Manager and General Curator.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide daily food, water, husbandry, and care for assigned animals according to established standards.
Monitor animal behavior and physical condition and promptly report concerns.
Safely transfer animals between enclosures and follow established animal handling procedures.
Provide approved enrichment and participate in animal training programs.
Maintain electronic records covering animal health, behavior, enrichment, training, and welfare.
Participate in welfare assessments, research, behavior projects, and approved data collection.
Assist with veterinary procedures, animal escape drills, and emergency response as directed.
Inspect exhibits, holding areas, equipment, and buildings for defects or safety concerns.
Perform minor repairs and maintenance as needed.
Maintain clean animal areas, buildings, public spaces, and back-of-house areas.
Implement approved pest control measures.
Follow AZA standards, USDA regulations, Zoo policies, and departmental procedures.
May train new staff on daily routines under the guidance of senior keepers or management.
Actively engage visitors and communicate the Zoo’s conservation mission and messages.
Participate in team meetings, discussions, and debriefings and maintain appropriate confidentiality and social media practices.
Resource & Equipment Management:
Properly store and handle animal food and medications.
Safely operate and maintain Zoo radios, phones, vehicles, hand tools, restraint equipment, incubators, gardening/carpentry tools, scales, and other equipment.
Report equipment, vehicle, or facility issues promptly.
Use kitchen knives and other tools safely and appropriately.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or a related field strongly preferred.
At least one year of applicable animal care experience preferred.
Zoo experience, paid or unpaid, preferred.
Understanding of current animal training and behavior management practices.
Ability to collect, organize, and interpret animal behavior data.
Familiarity with electronic communication and record-keeping.
Valid driver’s license required.
Preferred Traits:
Ability to work respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Strong organization, time management, attention to detail, and self-direction.
Positive attitude and commitment to the Zoo’s mission.
Physical & Working Requirements:
Lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and up to 75 pounds with assistance.
Climb ladders while carrying up to 15 pounds.
Stand and remain active for an eight-hour shift and perform activities including stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, climbing, and balancing.
Walk throughout large areas of the Zoo as needed.
Work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, and special events.
Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, cold,
Updated 1d 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
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 Animal Keeper 1 (Embassy) will provide care and maintenance of the animals and their associated exhibits and holding areas. The Animal Keeper is responsible for working collaboratively with other keepers and coworkers to achieve departmental and Zoo-wide initiatives. The Animal Keeper will report to their assigned Area Manager and the General Curator. Additionally, the Animal Keeper will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.
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Animal Keeper 1 (Embassy)
Baltimore, Maryland, United States • Full Time