Animal Keeper (Part-time - Ambassador Team)

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

The Woodland Park Zoo is seeking a part-time Animal Keeper to engage and educate visitors about animal care and conservation. The role involves maintaining animal welfare, conducting public presentations, and collaborating with a dedicated team. Ideal candidates will have a background in life sciences and experience in animal training, with a passion for wildlife conservation and public engagement.

Benefits

Complimentary Zoo tickets

Annual Zoo membership after 90 days

Paid vacation, sick, and holiday time

403(b) Retirement Plan

Free staff parking

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a life sciences field required.
• Two years related experience preferred.
• Valid WA driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct public presentations on animal care.
• Assess daily animal care and secure their welfare.
• Prepare food and feed assigned animals per approved diet.

Skills

Public Engagement

Animal Husbandry

Team Collaboration

Animal Training

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Job description

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Woodland Park Zoo

SALARY & FLSA: $32.27 per hour; FLSA non-exempt

$32.27 - $36.87. The starting rate for this role is $32.27. Every employee under the Joint Crafts Council wage scale, on first appointment, will receive the first step of the salary range for the position. Employees will advance to the second step at the start of the pay period after their one-year anniversary in the job classification and each milestone thereafter (3 years, 6 years, 11 years, and 17 years of service) with Step 6 being the maximum pay rate.

OPENING DATE: 06/23/2025
CLOSING DATE: 07/07/2025
JOB TYPE: Part-Time, Regular
UNION: Represented
LOCATION: Onsite
DEPARTMENT: Animal Management

This position is an animal keeper role with a strong focus on public engagement.This position averages 24 hours per week.

Ambassador Animal experience and animal training experience preferred

HOW DO YOU ZOO?
More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE
As our new Part-time Animal Keeper, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:

• Resilient: You are a dynamic and adaptable individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Flexibility is second nature to you, and you embrace change with a positive attitude.
• A people-person: You excel in a team setting, bringing energy and collaboration to every project you undertake. You strive to connect with visitors and the community to foster empathy for wildlife and inspire conservation actions.
• A Training guru: You have a passion for animal training and are motivated by achieving tangible outcomes either alone or in a group setting. You're open to and offer constructive feedback, cultivating ongoing development within a versatile team.
• An advocate: You enjoy animal husbandry and are proactive about providing excellent care to a variety of species.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, prepare, and conduct public presentations on animal care and conservation.
• Assess animals daily to ensure they are properly cared for and secured.
• Observe animal behavior, report abnormal behavior patterns and provide technical advice to colleagues and managers.
• Prepare food for and feed assigned animals according to approved diet plans.
• Clean and disinfect assigned animal and exhibit areas.
• Follow treatment plans and preventive health programs as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarian or Zoo Curators.
• Participate in the capture and restraint of animals.
• Implement animal care procedures and policies, including record keeping.
• Support special animal care activities such as physical examinations, exhibit repairs and modifications.
• Assist in development and implementation of behavioral husbandry program.
• Participate in exhibit design process and implementation.
• Represent the Woodland Park Zoo to the media.
• Conduct behind-the-scenes tours.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a life sciences field from an accredited four-year college or university; and two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers part time staff the following benefits:

• 4 complimentary Zoo tickets per year plus other discounts and perks
• Annual Zoo membership after 90 days as a Regular employee
• Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and personal holiday time, pro-rated based on standard hours
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Free staff parking
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

SELECTION PROCESS
Application: Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs . Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at [e-mail] .

Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant successfully complete a: driving record review, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment tuberculosis test.

Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: [phone]
Fax: zoo.org

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