Animal Keeper I

City-of-Manhattan-Kansa; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation & sick leave

Education reimbursement

KPERS retirement

Job summary

City of Manhattan seeks a dedicated animal care professional to support daily operations in the zoo. You will feed, clean exhibits, provide enrichment, and monitor welfare for a wide range of animals, while reporting status to supervisors and engaging with park visitors.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and at least one year in a zoological setting. The City offers benefits and a structured work environment.

Qualifications

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent required.
• One year of experience in a zoological setting or in the field of animal care.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day care for a wide variety of animals, including feeding and cleaning exhibits and public areas.
• Administer medications and provide enrichment and welfare programs under supervision.
• Monitor health and status of many animals and communicate with supervisors.
• Maintain exhibits and report needed repairs to maintenance or supervisors.
• Conduct public talks and answer questions for park visitors.

Skills

Animal care

Public interaction

Enrichment programs

Medication administration

Record-keeping

Maintenance reporting

Education

High School diploma, GED, or equivalent

College degree in an animal-related field

Job description

Description

(Regular, Non-Exempt)

Starting Salary Range: $19.06 - $22.87/hour, DOQ

Closing Date: 10/02/2026

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Variable 8-Hour Days

Summary/Objective

Provides for the day-to-day care of a wide variety of multi-class and multi-genera animals. Cleans and maintains animal, service and public areas of the park. Provides enrichment and animal welfare as scheduled. Provides daily animal care that meets, and/or exceeds USDA, and AZA, standards. Reports to supervisors in writing and orally the status of the animals and the physical plant of the zoo. Interacts with the public by giving public talks and answering questions.

Essential Functions

Provides care for multi-class and multi-genera animals.

• Provides for the care of large numbers of animals including feeding, cleaning exhibits, and public areas, assist in the mental and physical health of the animals through enrichment, training and welfare programs, and administer medications under the direction of the Head Keeper, Animal Curator, and Veterinarians.
• Monitors and interprets the day-to-day activities and health status of large numbers of multi-class and multi-genera exotic and domestic animals.
• Maintains exhibits, service areas and public areas through minor repairs or by reporting needed repairs to maintenance department or Head Keeper/Animal Curator.
• Reports daily activities and the status of the animals/area under their charge.
• Aids in the manual restraint of a variety of animals, some of which may be potentially dangerous.
• Administers and records animal enrichment, training and welfare protocols, as exhibited by modern zoological practices.

Performs cleaning and maintenance duties as required.

• Lifts hay bales, grain sacks and other equipment as needed.
• Performs ground maintenance in animal areas and around the zoo.
• Performs basic maintenance and repair on habitats and enrichment items.

Performs additional duties as required.

• Attends meetings and training.
• Conducts educational sessions in the park for the public.
• Prepares reports.
• Provides guidance/assistance to new division employees as needed.
• Ensures compliancy with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures in all duties.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• One (1) year of experience in a zoological setting or in the field of animal care.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Education and Experience

• College degree in an animal-related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in a zoological setting or in the field of animal care.

Compensation & Benefits

• Boot, Clothing and Vehicle Allowances, if applicable.
• City issued Cell Phone, if applicable.
• Retirement/Pension - City employees are required by statute to contribute to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Voluntary retirement contributions are offered with Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457.
• Medical, Dental, Vision - The City offers an excellent benefits package that includes wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits.
• Paid Holidays – 10.5 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday.
• Paid Vacation - 12 to 26 days per year based on years of service.
• Paid Sick Leave - 12 days per year.
• Paid Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks of paid leave.
• Education Reimbursement, Professional Development. Certifications/Licensure - The City will reimburse up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees. Professional Development funds are based on department budget. Certification/licensure may be reimbursed by the City.
• Other Benefits - Long-term disability, employer paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, employee assistance program and an array of voluntary benefit options.

The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law.