Animal Keeper - Part-time

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate part-time Animal Keeper to inspire guests about wildlife conservation. This role involves hands-on animal husbandry, public engagement, and compliance with safety protocols. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant degree and experience in animal care. Join a dedicated team at a vibrant museum that emphasizes education and conservation, providing a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of both animals and visitors. If you have a love for wildlife and a desire to educate the public, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Two or four year degree in Zoology or similar field preferred.
• Experience with animal care and education programs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine animal husbandry duties and maintain animal well-being.
• Engage with the public through programs and presentations.
• Assist with larger museum projects and provide guest service.

Skills

Animal Husbandry

Communication Skills

Observation Skills

Reliability

Education

Degree in Zoology

Degree in Biology

Degree in Natural Resources

Tools

Microsoft Office

ZIMS software

Job description

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Certified 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 .

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

JOB TITLE: Part-time Animal Keeper

EMPLOYEE CLASS: 19-24 hours per week, non-exempt

The Boonshoft Museum's Discovery Zoo is looking for a part-time zookeeper. We are home to a wonderfully diverse collection of animals from all taxa, and the ideal candidate will have a passion for inspiring our guests to save wild animals and wild places. Duties include routine animal husbandry duties to maintain the exceptional care and well-being of the animals in both our zoo and animal ambassador area, including the administration of regular food, water, and medication as well as providing training and enrichment. This position is responsible for maintaining area compliance with USDA and AZA regulations and standards. Public engagement, keeper talks, and scheduled animal feedings are also required.

Minimum Requirements Two or four year degree in Zoology, Biology, Natural Resources or similar field of study or currently working towards a degree is preferred. Experience with animal care and education programs at a zoo or similar institution a plus. Desired traits include reliability, good communication and observation skills and availability on weekends.

Job duties are as follows:

• Animal husbandry, including: cleaning animal habitats, preparing and feeding out diets, creating and providing enrichment, and assisting with operant conditioning training.
• Participates in public programs and animal feedings, including the presentation of animal ambassadors.
• Provide input and participate in department conservation and animal wellbeing initiatives.
• Ability to follow required animal/staff safety and training protocols.
• Record notes in daily reports, feed charts, weight charts, etc.
• Provide input on animal health and behavior issues and medicate animals as needed.
• Observe animals for abnormal behaviors and/or illness.
• Assist with larger museum projects such as exhibit renovation, fundraising, VIP events, etc.
• Clean public areas of animal exhibits.
• Work evening museum events as required.
• Provide friendly guest service for museum visitors.
• Ability to use tools, ladders, and power equipment safely, taking necessary training.
• Ability to use variety of chemicals with necessary safety equipment.
• Work with and serve as a job mentor for museum interns and volunteers
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Functions This is a physically demanding job. The person in this position frequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 25-50 pounds. The position requires frequent standing, walking, stooping and crouching for extended periods of time.

Language Skills Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Reasoning Ability Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited or no standardization exits. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer SkillsTo perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of and be able to use basic Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), Microsoft Outlook; Knowledge of and ability to use ZIMS software is a plus but not required.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee may occasionally be required to climb or use ladders. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to use a variety of soaps and cleaning agents with necessary safety equipment.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, and possible zoonotic diseases; the noise level in the work environment may occasionally be loud.

The employee is required to comply with all safety equipment provided for the work including gloves, boots, and aprons.

Equal Employment Opportunity The Organization provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, or any other protected factor in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, employee development, transfer, promotion, compensation, and corrective action.

Experience Required 2 years in the animal care field preferred

Salary $11 - $12.50 commensurate upon experience

How to Apply

Send resume and cover letter to [e-mail]

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 Deweese Pkwy
Dayton, OH 45414
Phone: [phone]
Visit our website

Send resume and cover letter to [e-mail]

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 Deweese Pkwy
Dayton, OH 45414
Phone: [phone]