Temporary Zookeeper I Zoo Farm/Americas - Part-time

City-of-Norfolk,-V; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is seeking a Temporary Zookeeper for the Zoo Farm/Americas section. The role supports animal care, welfare, and customer service for nearly 500,000 annual visitors and may assist in other areas as needed.

Essential duties include observing animals, feeding according to guidelines, maintaining exhibits, and recording behavioral data. The position requires lifting and handling capabilities and a commitment to teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent is required.
• One year of experience as an Animal Caretaker is preferred.
• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Observes animals for health and behavior changes.
• Feeds animals per curatorial/veterinary directions.
• Cleans and maintains exhibits, enclosures, and equipment.
• Maintains daily animal records and assists with educational presentations.
• May supervise interns and conduct animal demonstrations.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Zoo keeping degree or wildlife management program

Tools

Valid Driver's License

Job description

Norfolk, Virginia is the home to the world's largest naval station and the epicenter for business, arts, and culture in Coastal Virginia. Norfolk has been recognized by numerous publications as an ideal place to live, work, enjoy, and raise a family. For over 125 years The Virginia Zoological Park has been committed to saving and protecting the world's wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world.

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is currently seeking to employ an enthusiastic and seasoned Temporary Zookeeper for the Zoo Farm/Americas section. Zookeeper roles are pivotal in ensuring animal care, welfare, and safe working conditions within the zoo, which houses numerous rare, endangered, and potentially dangerous species.

This position will operate within a collaborative team environment, contributing significantly to maintaining high standards in animal care, presentation, and customer service for nearly 500,000 annual zoo visitors. The candidate will primarily work with the Zoo Farm/Americas team within the farm section but may be required to assist in any of the zoo's animal care areas as needed.

***The department hiring rate for this position is $21.20 per hour***

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Observes animals, checking for medical problems, changes in behavior, feeding habits, and overall well-being.
• Feeds animals as specified by curatorial and veterinary staff in accordance with nutritional and behavioral requirements.
• Cleans, disinfects and maintains animal exhibits, enclosures, food and water dishes, pools and other areas.
• Keeps daily records on each animal (behavioral observations, and exhibit integrity and maintenance, etc.).
• Supervises interns when required.
• Conducts animal demonstrations for zoo visitors and writes educational presentations.
• Must be able to handle and assist in the restraint and capture of animals.
• Must be able to lift heavy feed and manure receptacles and walk long distances.
• Must have knowledge of behavioral characteristics and handling procedures for assigned animals.
• Must have knowledge of animal restraint apparatus such as ropes, squeeze cages, catch poles, shifts, nets, etc.
• Must be able to use tools and operate small equipment.
• Required normal hearing and seeing capabilities and the ability to stand, bend, lift, stoop, push and pull.
• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and work in a team environment.
• Must work in a friendly and professional manner with staff, volunteers, colleagues and zoo visitors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work requires broad knowledge in a general profession or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent

One year of experience as an Animal Caretaker.

The preferred candidates will possess:

• A minimum of three months’ experience working in an AZA accredited institution as a zookeeper, paid zookeeper intern, or similar position
• Degree specifically in zoo keeping from a college program specializing in zookeeping and wildlife management.

• Valid Driver's License

Work hours:

Working a flexible schedule, which can vary. Working weekends and holidays may be required.

Work location:

Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby Street, Norfolk 23504

IntermittentRetiree Part-time Employees:

IntermittentRetiree part-time employees will work no more than 1040 hours in a twelve (12) month period of time. The hours are flexible and based on the department's operation needs. This position is not eligible for benefits.