Animal Programs Swing Keeper

Fort Worth Zoo; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Benefits

401k Plan

Paid Time Off

Free Zoo Membership

Job summary

Fort Worth Zoo is searching for a Senior Mammal Curator to manage various animal care responsibilities, including feeding, cleaning, and assisting veterinary staff. The ideal candidate will have multiple years of zoo keeping experience and the ability to work independently.

This full-time position offers generous benefits, including health insurance, 401k, and paid time off. Join a dedicated team in a rewarding environment that promotes animal welfare.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Work independently in the absence of immediate supervision.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and care for a variety of animals within the Zoo.
• Assist veterinary staff as needed.
• Feed and water animals and clean quarters.

Skills

Zoo keeping experience

Communication skills

Ability to work independently

Record-keeping

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

Summary: The responsibility of this position is to maintain and care for a variety of animals within the Zoo; to assist veterinary staff as needed; and to perform a variety of activities relative to a rotating area of assignment as staffing needs dictate. The Senior Mammal Curator will manage the work schedule for this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Feed and water animals in and around existing quarters; clean, sanitize, maintain and repair animal quarters as required; shovel, rake, hose, sweep, dust and mop floors.
• Prepare diets for animals; clean and maintain work area and food storage containers.
• Maintain adequate records on daily activities; observe animal behavior for signs of illness, weight loss/gain or injury; report any signs of illness or injury.
• Assist veterinarians in minor operations or related activity, administer prescribed medications, submit fecal samples and other duties as needed.
• Assist in the training of assigned animals; guide animals through daily routines according to established training schedules and guidelines.
• Carry out animal diet directives from Nutritional Services Department; clean and maintain food storage containers.
• Participate in the zoo-wide behavioral management program by implementing approved animal training and enrichment projects.
• Participate in and implement approved research projects.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner; present keeper talks to park visitors and media as required.
• Feed live prey and/or euthanize some prey items as related to the requirements of specific taxa.
• Assist in directing the proper restraint, crating, moving and uncrating of animals.
• Properly maintain exhibits, animal facilities, equipment and life support systems (as apply) as trained for specific positions.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have multiple years of zoo keeping experience.
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability.
• Work independently in the absence of immediate supervision.
• Work a varied schedule of work area assignment.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Education and/or Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, zoology, animal behavior, biology, ecology, psychology or related field preferred.
• Specialized training in zoology or a related field desirable but not required.

Physical Demands

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; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

Work Environment

• Team oriented environment.
• Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends).
• Exposure to a variety of domestic and wild or potentially dangerous animals; animal odors and animal body fluids.
• Exposure to all types of inclement weather conditions.
• Exposure to chemicals (cleaning, water chemicals, additives, etc.).
• Ability to work special events and functions as required.
• This position may be safety sensitive.
• This position may work around animals susceptible to specific diseases, thus may be subject to regular tuberculosis and rabies titer testing, and the routine use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks.

Benefits

This is a full‑time position and offers the following benefits:

• Medical and Prescription Drug (Employee Coverage 90% Employer Paid, Dependent Coverage 55% Employer Paid)
• Vision
• Dental
• Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
• Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Supplemental Life
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401k
• Paid Time Off (Accrual Equivalent to 5 Weeks Per Year)
• PTO Rollover
• PTO Sell Back
• Free Zoo Membership
• Free Guest Passes
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs