Zookeeper

Join the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium zookeeper team. Zookeepers are responsible for the daily care, health, safety, and well-being of native and exotic animals through feeding, enclosure maintenance, behavioral observation, training, enrichment, and health care. This position works with a variety of primates, including Colobus monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, and Japanese macaques, as well as kangaroos.

The zookeeper provides all aspects of daily care for animals in assigned exhibits and holding areas while following AZA and USDA standards. Responsibilities include preparing and feeding approved diets, monitoring physical and behavioral health, implementing animal training and enrichment programs, designing and maintaining enclosures and props, providing preventative husbandry and proactive health care, and caring for newborn and young animals when necessary.

The position is responsible for keeping exhibits and holding areas clean, safe, attractive, and presentable. Duties may include painting, repairing fences and shelters, addressing erosion, removing weeds and snow, and maintaining common areas. The zookeeper observes animals for signs of illness, injury, lethargy, or dietary concerns and reports issues to the Veterinarian, Area Supervisor, or Animal Care Director. The role also assists with veterinary examinations and administers prescribed medications and treatments.

Zookeepers maintain daily reports, medical records, enrichment logs, and other required documentation. They regularly engage with visitors through Keeper Chats, answer questions about animals and exhibits, and may participate in Behind the Scenes tours, media events, public relations projects, and special events.

The role involves capturing, handling, restraining, crating, moving, and transporting animals according to established Great Plains Zoo practices. The zookeeper may assist with internal animal movements, external shipping, medical procedures, and routine activities and must be able to operate various sizes of animal squeeze cages. Additional duties may be assigned by the Curator or Director of Animal Care & Conservation.

The successful candidate must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and demonstrate flexibility, enthusiasm, self-motivation, reliability, punctuality, and strong time management. The ability to remain calm and effective during emergencies is essential. The position may require the use of rifles, shotguns, and capture dart guns as part of the animal escape and recovery plan. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint is preferred.

The position helps train and oversee interns, volunteers, and seasonal employees but does not have direct reports.

The work environment includes exposure to strong odors, chemicals, dust, hay, animal fur and dander, wet or humid conditions, and varying outdoor weather conditions. The position requires climbing ladders and stairs, lifting animals, crates, or equipment weighing up to 70 pounds, operating mowers, fire hoses, weed eaters, hay elevators, motorized carts, tractors, dump trucks, and pickup trucks, and moving wheelbarrows loaded up to 150 pounds. The zookeeper must also be agile and flexible when working around animals in exhibits, corrals, and holding areas.

A bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or a related field is required, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience as determined by the hiring authority. Previous zookeeper or animal training experience is preferred, particularly experience at an AZA-accredited facility.

Employees must maintain a current tetanus vaccination and be willing to undergo annual TB testing. CPR/AED certification must be obtained within one year of employment. The position requires availability to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and pass a pre-employment background check. COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are encouraged, and employees must follow organizational masking protocols when required.