Senior Animal Keeper — Habitat & Welfare Leader

Z&A Management; Layton (UT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Animal Keeper role at Z&A Management oversees health, welfare, and habitat integrity for aquatic and terrestrial collections. The position combines advanced husbandry, environmental monitoring, and life-support coordination with team leadership to ensure exhibits meet high standards.

This senior role emphasizes mentorship, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration with curators, veterinary teams, and facilities staff to uphold regulatory and professional requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Animal Science, Environmental Science, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a zoo, aquarium, or similar animal care facility.
• Advanced animal husbandry experience for aquatic and/or terrestrial species.
• Working knowledge of environmental monitoring, water quality management, and life support systems.
• Proven leadership or mentorship experience.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in varied indoor and outdoor conditions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and support daily animal care for aquatic and terrestrial species, ensuring adherence to facility SOPs and best practices.
• Monitor animal behavior, health, and overall condition; promptly communicate concerns to curators, veterinary staff, and national husbandry teams.
• Assist with medical procedures, treatments, and examinations under veterinary direction.
• Support quarantine procedures for new or ill animals, including enhanced monitoring and recordkeeping.
• Oversee routine monitoring of environmental parameters including water quality, temperature, humidity, air quality, and substrate conditions.
• Ensure habitats meet species-specific environmental requirements and regulatory standards.
• Troubleshoot environmental or parameter deviations and coordinate corrective actions with relevant teams.
• Maintain accurate records of environmental readings and habitat conditions.
• Support the oversight of life support systems (filtration, plumbing, mechanical systems, HVAC, temperature and humidity regulation).
• Conduct regular inspections and preventative maintenance checks in alignment with SOPs.
• Coordinate with facilities, curators, and environmental staff to address system malfunctions, repairs, or upgrades.
• Assist in planning and implementation of new exhibits or habitat modifications from an animal-care perspective.
• Support species-appropriate feeding programs and dietary plans in collaboration with curators, veterinarians, and national husbandry teams.
• Oversee food preparation, distribution, intake monitoring, and inventory support as assigned.
• Ensure accurate documentation of diets, supplements, and feeding changes.
• Assist curators in supervising, mentoring, and training Animal Keepers across functional areas.
• Model professional standards of animal care, safety, and teamwork.
• Support onboarding and ongoing skill development for keepers at various training levels.
• Help ensure compliance with safety protocols, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with veterinary teams, national husbandry partners, facilities staff, and other Senior Keepers.
• Participate in meetings related to animal welfare, environmental quality, and operational planning.
• Prepare and contribute to reports on animal health, environmental conditions, and operational issues.
• Represent the facility professionally and support a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Ensure all animal care and habitat management practices comply with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., USDA, Fish & Wildlife, ZAA standards where applicable).
• Maintain a safe working environment for staff, animals, and guests.
• Enforce adherence to facility SOPs and safety protocols.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Environmental monitoring

Water quality management

Life support systems

Leadership / mentorship

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Lifting 50 lbs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Animal Science, Environmental Science, or related field

Job description

The Senior Animal Keeper role at Z&A Management oversees health, welfare, and habitat integrity for aquatic and terrestrial collections. The position combines advanced husbandry, environmental monitoring, and life-support coordination with team leadership to ensure exhibits meet high standards.

This senior role emphasizes mentorship, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration with curators, veterinary teams, and facilities staff to uphold regulatory and professional requirements.