Animal Keeper

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Schnecksville (PA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in animal care is seeking an Animal Keeper for Lehigh Valley Zoo. The role involves the daily care and welfare of animals, engaging with zoo visitors, maintaining animal records, and implementing animal behavior enrichment. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in biology or zoology and at least 1-2 years of zoo experience. This position requires physical stamina and a commitment to working in various weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Min. 1-2 years of experience in a zoo environment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Daily care and welfare of zoo animals.
• Maintain accurate animal records.
• Interact with visitors through presentations.

Skills

Animal handling skills

Critical thinking

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related field

Job description

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings.How to post a job

Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center .

Lehigh Valley Zoo

Animal Keeper

JOB SUMMARY:

The Animal Keeper is responsible for the daily care and welfare of animals within their area. Each member of the Lehigh Valley Zoo team plays a crucial part of helping our organization save species.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Knowledge of current zoo animal husbandry standards and natural history for a diverse population of animals
• Knowledge of USDA and AZA standards
• Performs all daily husbandry tasks including cleaning and diet prep
• Must be able to evaluate and report animal behavior to Lead Keeper and Assistant Curator
• Maintains accurate and detailed daily animal records
• Implements and evaluates behavioral enrichment in accordance with zoo policy
• Basic knowledge of operant conditioning
• Assist the veterinary staff in capture and restraint, administration of prescribed medications and procedures as necessary
• Maintain exhibit aesthetics including routine exhibit maintenance and small repairs
• Demonstrates knowledge of zoo-wide and area emergency procedures
• Interacts with zoo visitors through animal presentations, scheduled and informal keeper talks and generally provide a positive guest experience
• Works cooperatively with other zoo departments
• Demonstrates an ability to work in a team setting with a positive attitude
• Demonstrates initiative and motivation to learn and complete projects
• Participate in regular Animal Care team meetings and trainings
• Communicates department updates to the team and supervisors in a timely and professional manner
• Other duties as assigned

Experience Required

SKILLS COMPETENCIES• Animal handling skills• Critical thinking skills to trouble shoot and reveal solutions to assist the progression of the animal care team• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently with purpose and accuracy as well in a group setting• Excellent time management with ability to multitask• Good interpersonal skills with the ability and desire to work as a team member• Able to follow written and oral direction, exercise good judgment, and apply safety precautions applicable to the work• Knowledge of and a history with operant conditioning techniquesQUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related field preferred or equivalent combination of training and experience• Minimum one to two years, comparable level experience in a zoo environment• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hour assignments• Possess a valid driver’s license

Further Comments

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT • • Physical Demands: Employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occassionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. The employee must be able to drive Zoo vehicles• Work Environment: You are often required to perform physical labor in varying weather conditions. You can be bitten, scratched, kicked, or otherwise harmed by wild animals.

Lehigh Valley Zoo
5150 Game Preserve Road
Schnecksville, PA 18078
Phone: [phone]