Senior Zoo Keeper

City of El Paso; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

City of El Paso seeks a dedicated lead zookeeper to supervise a team of zookeepers and ensure high-quality care of zoo animals. You will prepare diets, monitor health, and assist veterinary staff with treatments, while coordinating enrichment activities and behavior modification programs to improve animal welfare.

The role requires leadership, strong communication, and a solid background in animal care, with the ability to work with the public and other staff to maintain a safe, educational, and

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or higher.
• Two (2) years of zookeeper experience.
• Valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License by date of appointment.
• Lead the work of zookeepers and supervise care of zoo animals.
• Assist with behavior modification and enrichment programs.
• Prepare regular and special diets; feed, water, and clean enclosures.
• Assist with grounds, maintenance, and public interactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the work of zookeepers and train staff.
• Oversee care of zoo animals and prepare diets.
• Monitor animal health and report illnesses to staff.
• Assist veterinary staff with medications and treatments.
• Provide enrichment and behavior modification activities.
• Respond to public inquiries about animals and exhibits.

Skills

Leadership

Animal care

Training

Communication

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

MOS CODE: NONE

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED or higher, and two (2) years of zookeeper experience.

Licenses and Certificates

Valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or equivalent from another state by the date of appointment.

Under general supervision, lead the work of zookeepers and participate in the care of zoo animals.

Oversee and provide for the care of zoo animals. Involves: Preparing regular and special diets to feed animals. Feed and water animals. Clean, disinfect, and maintain cages, enclosures, and exhibit areas as needed. Maintain the safety of animals. Monitor animal health and well-being. Report animal illness or injury to the appropriate staff. Assist veterinary staff with the administration of medications, providing treatment, and restraining. Provide care for animals by trimming beaks, nails, and wing feathers, providing moisture for turtles, reptiles, birds, etc., shearing sheep, weighing animals, and other care services as needed, and record animal information such as temperature and consumption in charts. Perform special projects and activities as assigned.

Assist with behavior modification and enrichment programs. Involves: Assists with the design of behavior modification and enrichment programs. Utilize a system of rewards to condition animals to do things on command. Provide animals with things to play with to relieve stress and boredom. Provide exercise for animals as needed.

Provide assistance to other zoo staff and to the public. Involves: Identifying maintenance problems and resolving or reporting as necessary. Prepare work orders for maintenance. Assist with grounds and landscaping maintenance and construction. Test water quality in aquatic exhibits. Answer questions from other staff and the public regarding zoo animals, exhibits, and related.

Serve as designated lead worker. Involves: Guiding, monitoring, and training less knowledgeable employees. Schedule and assign work. Review and check work. Guide others in work processes. Recommend areas for employee skills improvement. Provide input to the employee performance evaluation process.