Keeper I, II, Senior - Hoofstock

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Keeper to ensure the health and safety of animals while engaging with the public. This role involves performing husbandry practices, developing animal training programs, and collaborating with staff to enhance guest experiences. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in animal care, a passion for wildlife conservation, and the ability to work in diverse conditions. Join a team committed to making a difference in animal welfare and public education, while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant environment.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan with Match

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years paid experience in animal husbandry.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safety and well-being of assigned animals.
• Engage with guests to support the Zoo's mission.

Skills

Animal Husbandry

Behavioral Enrichment

Public Engagement

Facility Maintenance

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Life Science

High School Diploma

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 .

The Phoenix Zoo is the only zoo in the Valley accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a non-profit zoological park, serving nearly 1.4 million guests annually. Home to more than 3,000 animals, many of which are endangered or threatened species, the Zoo is also committed to supporting wildlife and habitat conservation in the region and across the globe.

Department:Living Collections

Supervisor:Collection Manager of assigned area

FLSA Status:Full Time, Regular, Non-exempt

Starting Pay Rate:

Keeper I:$23.70/hour

Keeper II: $24.89/hour

Senior Keeper: $27.44/hour

General Statement:

We are actively recruiting a hoofstock keeper, level dependent upon experience. Applicants need only apply once.

The Keeper in this position is responsible for the safety, health and well-being of all assigned animals through the performance of documented husbandry practices. This position supports designated public experiences, by training and mentoring internal guests (staff and volunteers), developing and maintaining animal cued behaviors, and animal programs. A Phoenix Zoo Keeper also actively collaborates in the development and presentation of guest experiences that support the Phoenix Zoos mission.

The Keeper II is responsible for the safety, health and well-being of all assigned animals through the performance of documented husbandry practices. This position supports designated public experiences, by training and mentoring internal guests (staff and volunteers), developing and maintaining animal cued behaviors and animal programs. In addition to performing Keeper II duties, this position actively collaborates in the presentation of guest experiences that support the Phoenix Zoo’s mission.

Senior Keeper:

The Senior Keeper is responsible for the daily care, safety, health and well-being of all assigned animals through demonstrated knowledge of documented husbandry practices. The Senior Keeper will schedule and train assigned staff while demonstrating leadership and mentorship in the performance of assigned duties, as well as developing and maintaining animal management protocols. In addition to performing animal care duties, this position will engage and interact with guests in support of designated public experiences that support the Phoenix Zoo’s mission.

Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.

Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures; report any observed health or behavioral abnormalities of all assigned specimens to immediate supervisor on a daily basis.

Assist in the development of protocols for the restraint, introduction/breeding, and husbandry care of assigned animals; amend and update Standard Operating Procedures as assigned.

Perform assigned and approved behavioral enrichment activities and animal training procedures of assigned specimens in a timely manner and consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures.

Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions/breeding, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.

Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols, ensuring the safety of guests and animals.

Perform minor repairs to exhibits; interact with maintenance staff as needed and as assigned. Document and report any structural or mechanical problems.

Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to support designated public experiences and other communication activities and goals that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events.

Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.

Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s); observe and report any health or behavioral abnormalities of all assigned specimens to immediate supervisor on a daily basis; advise staff on nutritional concern or seasonal adjustments; assist veterinary staff in carrying out health monitoring and assessment; perform Standard Operating Procedures associated with specialty areas or programs (e.g., venomous animal and large reptiles handling); and manage captive reproduction program components as assigned.

Perform assigned and approved behavioral enrichment activities and animal training procedures of assigned specimens in a timely manner and consistent with documented Standard Operation Procedures; assist in the development and implementation of SOP’s within assigned area; assist in the training of new staff in assigned SOP’s.

Perform routine maintenance of facilities by maintaining and reporting any structural or mechanical problems; provide support in the development of facility plans and assessments; Interact with maintenance staff as needed.

Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols.

Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions/breeding, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.

Monitor the public ensuring the safety of visitors and animals.

Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to support designated public experiences and other communication activities that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events.

Initiate engagement and interaction with guests in support of the Zoo’s mission by developing and conducting interactive animal programs.

Senior Keeper:

Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.

Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures; demonstrate knowledge of nutritional requirements of assigned specimens; observe all assigned animal specimens on a daily basis and report any health or behavioral abnormalities to immediate supervisor; assist in the development of protocols for the restraint and treatment of assigned animals; assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures as assigned; remain current on protocols of assigned areas.

Perform routine maintenance of facilities by maintaining and reporting any structural or mechanical problems; provide support in the development of facility plans and assessments; interact with maintenance staff as needed

Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols and provide leadership in emergency situations.

Act as principal training coordinator for new staff and volunteers, ensuring appropriate knowledge and understanding of section SOP’s and that training protocols are followed by staff. Assist manager in developing and troubleshooting schedule; mentor other keepers and help oversee volunteers and interns.

Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions/breeding, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.

Assist in the development and Implementation of approved behavioral enrichment management initiatives in assigned area; participate, as approved, on zoo-related committees and assist in the development of approved animal training procedures.

Monitor the public ensuring the safety of guests and animals.

Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to support designated public experiences and other communication activities that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events.

Initiate engagement and interaction with guests in support of the Zoo’s mission by developing and conducting interactive animal programs.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments.)

Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.

High school diploma required.

Minimum six months paid or one-year volunteer experience in work relevant to exotic animal husbandry.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.

Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.

Possession of a valid drivers license.

Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.

Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.

High school diploma required.

Behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning experience preferred.

Minimum 2 years paid experience relevant to animal husbandry in an AZA accredited institution or related facility.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.

Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.

Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.

Senior Keeper:

Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent experience strongly preferred.

Minimum of 5 years paid experience in work relevant to animal husbandry in an AZA accredited institution or related facility

Behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning experience preferred.

Knowledge in the areas of animal nutrition, public engagement and communication, facility maintenance.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces and work in extreme weather conditions.

Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.

The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation is committed to maintaining the health and well-being of its employees. We offer a wide range of benefits for qualified employees designed to address the diverse needs of our employees and their families, such as: Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Coverage (Domestic Partnership Benefits Available) Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long Term Disability Insurance | Flexible Spending Accounts | Voluntary Life Insurance | Employee Assistance Program | Paid Time Off (PTO) | Paid Sick Leave (PSL) | 401(k) Plan with Match | Phoenix Zoo Membership | Employee WILD Rewards Program | Service Awards | Employee Cultural Exchange Program | Tuition Reimbursement Program (for qualified courses) | Outside Vendor Discounts