P-71-25, Zookeeper – Limited – Parks Department

City of Providence; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Providence is seeking a dedicated individual for the Parks Department to ensure the welfare of zoo animals. Responsibilities include feeding, maintaining exhibits, and assisting in public education. Candidates should have a degree in zoology or animal science, along with relevant experience. The role may become permanent after an initial limited term.

Qualifications

• Two years animal care experience in a zoo or aquarium setting.
• Familiarity with USDA and AZA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Feeds and waters the animals, ensuring their welfare.
• Cleans and maintains animal cages and exhibits.
• Acts as an ambassador for the zoo.

Skills

Animal Care

Communication

Record Keeping

Education

Degree in Zoology or Animal Science

Tools

Hand and Power Tools

Job description

Job Type: Limited Union

Job No.: P-71-25

Department: Parks Department

Posting Dates: 05/16/2025 – 05/30/2025

The City of Providence welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce at all levels of the organization. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit hiring discrimination of any type. All City hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of up-line personnel is responsible for the feeding and general welfare of the zoo animals and the maintenance of exhibits, animal holding area, and adjacent Zoo property.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepares food, feeds, and waters the animals.
• Assumes immediate responsibility for the general welfare of animals in accordance with USDA and AZA guidelines.
• Regularly inspects animals and reports sickness, injuries, or any other changes in their condition to the appropriate up-line personnel.
• Assists as directed in medicating, capturing, crating, and transporting animals.
• Participates in zoo-sponsored research and educational projects and projects.
• Assists in establishing, modifying, and dismantling exhibits and displays.
• Cleans and maintains the animal cages, exhibits, pens, pools and ponds, exhibit buildings, and zoo grounds associated with exhibits including roads and paths within the perimeter fence of the animal areas. Service may be required on exhibits and animals outside of zoo grounds.
• As directed, is responsible for environmental enrichment, training, and conditioning of targeted species.
• Checks and secures cages, exhibits, gates, doors, locks, and exhibit buildings for security.
• Assists in pest control.
• As directed, maintains accurate records, prepares reports, maintains inventories, and picks up food when necessary.
• Acts as an ambassador for the zoo, advising the public on viewing, feeding, and touching animals.
• As directed, is responsible for public safety during a crisis (fire, escape, etc.) on zoo grounds.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A degree from an accredited college or university in zoology, animal science or related field and two (2) years previous animal care experience in a zoo or aquarium setting, or four (4) years animal care experience in a zoo or aquarium setting.
• Familiarity with USDA and AZA guidelines.
• Must test negative for Tuberculosis and have a current Rabies vaccination, upon offer of employment.
• Familiarity and knowledge of animal enrichment, animal physiology, temperament, reproductive cycles, physical needs, and behavior for a wide variety of animal species.
• Working knowledge of the prevention and precautionary actions that must be taken against various zoonotic diseases within the collection.
• Must be able to handle and control animals, familiarity with animal escape and crisis procedures, and proficiency with the use of capture equipment.
• Must be able to maintain accurate records, understand and follow complex directions, and learn new skills.
• Proficiency in using hand and power tools, physical capability to perform heavy manual labor, and willingness to work shifts and weekends.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State Driver’s License.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and courteously with the public and knowledgeable to answer their questions.
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Must be able to lift fifty (50) pounds.
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job.

Training Requirements

Sustainment:

• Must maintain a valid State Driver’s License.
• Participates in employee training programs.

The term “limited” means that the successful candidate will perform the job for an undetermined length of time. The position may or may not become permanent.

Please note: The City is currently under a hiring freeze and while recruitment continues, ultimate hiring will be considered based on the freeze.