Animal Keeper: Wildlife Care & Guest Education

Woodland Park Zoo; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is seeking an Animal Keeper to provide daily animal care, support conservation messaging, and engage guests through keeper talks and interactions.

You may work in different animal areas, collaborating with teams, following safety protocols, and assisting with enrichment, training, and exhibit projects. This role emphasizes flexibility, physical work, and a commitment to welfare.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences and 2 years direct animal care experience at a zoo, aquarium, wildlife park, or managed collection.
• AZA facility experience preferred (2 years).
• Ability to perform physical work and lift up to 50 pounds; ability to work varied shifts.
• Must live and work in Washington State.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily animal care including cleaning, diets, feeding, watering, observations, and habitat maintenance.
• Assess animal health, behavior, welfare, and safety; report abnormal conditions to managers and veterinary staff.
• Maintain accurate animal records and logs (observations, diets, medications, enrichment, training).
• Assist with preventive health care, treatments, and veterinary support activities.
• Participate in training, enrichment, handling, transport, and emergency response activities with safety protocols.
• Collaborate with multiple teams to ensure safe, high-quality animal care and guest experiences.
• Provide species information and conservation messages via public presentations and keeper talks.
• Support exhibit repairs, moves, and design/implementation projects.
• Develop proficiency across animal areas to support coverage and welfare.

Skills

Animal care

Physical stamina

Flexible shifts

Washington resident

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Job description

Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is seeking an Animal Keeper to provide daily animal care, support conservation messaging, and engage guests through keeper talks and interactions.

You may work in different animal areas, collaborating with teams, following safety protocols, and assisting with enrichment, training, and exhibit projects. This role emphasizes flexibility, physical work, and a commitment to welfare.