Animal Keeper

Intuit, Inc.; Port Reading (NJ); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

NorCal Aquarium & Wildlife Center is seeking an Animal Keeper to provide daily care for a diverse collection of animals, prepare habitats, and observe behavior while engaging guests with conservation stories. You will ensure welfare and safety in a dynamic environment and support education initiatives.

The role emphasizes hands-on animal care, teamwork with staff, and growth through training and ongoing learning.

Qualifications

• Degree in Zoology, Marine Biology, Animal Science, or related field.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Comfort working in guest-facing environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for a diverse collection of animals.
• Prepare habitats, observe behavior, and report changes.
• Engage guests with stories and conservation messaging.
• Support safety protocols and daily operations.

Skills

Guest interaction

Team collaboration

Observation & reporting

Physical stamina

Education

Zoology/Animal Science degree

Job description

Bring Curiosity to Life. Care for Animals. Inspire Every Guest.

At NorCal Aquarium & Wildlife Center, Animal Keepers do more than care for animals—they create moments of connection that spark curiosity, empathy, and lifelong respect for wildlife.

As an Animal Keeper, you’ll play a hands‑on role in animal care while helping guests experience the wonder of the natural world up close. Whether you’re preparing habitats, observing animal behavior, or sharing stories with families, your work directly supports animal welfare, education, and conservation.

If you’re passionate about animals, thrive in a fast‑paced environment, and enjoy engaging with people just as much as caring for wildlife—this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

Animal Care & Husbandry

• Provide daily care for a diverse collection of animals, including feeding, cleaning, habitat maintenance, and enrichment

• Follow established procedures to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and safety

• Observe animals closely and report any changes in behavior, appetite, or health

• Support animal movements, introductions, and routine care activities

Guest Experience & Education

• Engage guests in meaningful, memorable interactions throughout the facility

• Share animal stories, fun facts, and conservation messaging in a way that is approachable and engaging

• Help guests understand the “why” behind animal care and conservation efforts

• Maintain awareness of guest safety and exhibit boundaries in a dynamic environment

Mission & Conservation

• Actively support the organization’s mission through daily actions and guest interactions

• Inspire guests to care about wildlife, conservation, and responsible stewardship

• Represent the organization with professionalism, enthusiasm, and authenticity

Safety & Operations

• Follow all safety protocols, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures

• Maintain clean, organized, and safe animal care areas

• Respond quickly to changing environments to protect both animals and guests

• Participate in drills, training, and ongoing safety education

Growth & Development

• Learn and apply animal care techniques, handling skills, and education strategies

• Participate in training and actively seek feedback

• Build knowledge across species, habitats, and conservation topics

• Grow into increased responsibility over time

Teamwork & Culture

• Collaborate with Animal Care, Guest Services, and leadership teams

• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and proactively

• Show up reliably and contribute to a positive, solutions‑focused team environment

What You Bring

Required

• Degree in Zoology, Marine Biology, Animal Science, or a related field

• Passion for animal care, education, and conservation

• Comfort working in a guest‑facing, interactive environment

• Strong communication and teamwork skills

• Willingness to learn, take direction, and follow established procedures

• Ability to work on your feet, indoors and outdoors, in a physically active role

Preferred

• Hands‑on experience with animals in a professional, academic, or volunteer setting

• Experience in education, public speaking, or customer service

• Background in biology, animal science, or environmental education

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

• Ability to work around animals, water systems, cleaning agents, and food prep areas

• Ability to stay alert and responsive in a fast‑paced, guest‑facing environment

What Success Looks Like

• Animals in your care are healthy, safe, and thriving

• Guests leave with a memorable, positive experience

• You consistently follow procedures while growing your skills

• You build strong, collaborative relationships with your team

• You contribute to a culture of safety, accountability, and passion

Schedule Expectations

This role requires a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays. Shifts may vary based on operational needs, and reliability is essential.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission‑driven team making a real impact

• Work hands‑on with animals in a dynamic, engaging environment

• Grow your career in animal care, education, and conservation

• Create meaningful experiences for guests every day