Keeper I, II, Senior - Hoofstock

The Phoenix Zoo; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated hoofstock keepers to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in a vibrant zoo environment. This role offers opportunities to engage with guests, develop animal behaviors, and participate in enriching programs. Whether you're starting your career or bringing years of experience, you'll play a vital role in supporting the zoo's mission. Join a team passionate about animal care and public engagement, and make a difference in the lives of both animals and visitors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Science preferred for all levels.
• Experience in behavioral enrichment and animal training is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Ensure animal safety and well-being through documented husbandry practices.
• Engage with guests and support public experiences.

Skills

Husbandry Practices

Behavioral Enrichment

Public Engagement

Animal Training

Education

Bachelor's in Life Science

High School Diploma

Job description

Job Details

Phoenix Zoo - Phoenix, AZ

Full Time

Job Posting Date(s)

05/23/2025

Description

Department: Living Collections

Supervisor: Collection Manager of assigned area

Supervises: None

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.

Keeper I:

The Keeper in this position is responsible for the safety, health, and well-being of all assigned animals through documented husbandry practices. Supports public experiences by training staff and volunteers, developing animal behaviors, and supporting animal programs. Collaborates in guest experience development supporting the Phoenix Zoo's mission.

Keeper II:

Responsible for animal safety, health, well-being, and documented husbandry practices. Supports public experiences through training, developing behaviors, and animal programs. Collaborates in guest experience presentation supporting the Zoo’s mission.

Senior Keeper:

Oversees daily animal care, safety, and health, demonstrating expertise in husbandry. Manages staff scheduling and training, develops protocols, and engages with guests to support the Zoo’s mission.

Essential Duties:

Keeper I:

1. Provide quality guest service with a friendly, helpful, positive, and professional attitude.
2. Perform routine husbandry, monitor and report health or behavioral issues, and assist in developing care protocols.
3. Conduct behavioral enrichment and animal training activities.
4. Participate in health and husbandry activities like animal transports, breeding, restraint, and treatment.
5. Respond to animal emergencies per protocols, ensuring safety.
6. Perform minor repairs and collaborate with maintenance.
7. Support public experiences and communication activities, including events.

Keeper II:

1. Maintain guest service standards with a professional attitude.
2. Perform husbandry, monitor animal health, assist veterinary staff, and manage reproductive programs.
3. Develop and implement SOPs, train new staff, and maintain facilities.
4. Respond to emergencies, participate in health activities, and monitor safety.
5. Engage with guests through interactive programs.

Senior Keeper:

1. Provide excellent guest service with a professional attitude.
2. Perform husbandry, monitor health, assist in protocols, and stay current on procedures.
3. Lead facility maintenance, respond to emergencies, and mentor staff and volunteers.
4. Develop enrichment and training initiatives, participate in committees, and support public engagement.

This list is not exhaustive; management may assign additional duties as needed.

Qualifications

Keeper I:

• Bachelor's in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.
• High school diploma required.
• Experience in behavioral enrichment preferred.
• Minimum six months paid or one-year volunteer relevant experience.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, work on uneven surfaces, and in extreme weather.
• Valid driver’s license, pass background checks, drug test, DMV check, and TB test.

Keeper II:

• Bachelor’s in Life Science or equivalent preferred.
• High school diploma required.
• Experience in behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning preferred.
• Minimum 2 years relevant paid experience in AZA or similar facility.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, work in extreme weather, possess a valid driver’s license, and pass checks.

Senior Keeper:

• Bachelor’s in Life Science or equivalent preferred.
• At least 5 years relevant paid experience in AZA or similar facility.
• Experience in enrichment, conditioning, nutrition, public engagement, and facility maintenance.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, work in extreme weather, possess a valid driver’s license, and pass checks.