Zoo Animal Care & Enrichment Keeper

Oglebay

Northern (KY)

Hybrid

USD 18,000 - 21,000

Full time

14 days+
Application generator

Get a reply from this employer — a resume and cover letter tailored to exactly what they’re hiring for.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

Oglebay Park in Wheeling, WV seeks a dedicated wildlife keeper to provide for the physical and psychological well-being of the zoo animals and enclosures. You will assist with interpreting the collection to visitors and support routine animal care.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree or 1–2 years related experience. Responsibilities cover habitat maintenance, animal diets, enrichment, record-keeping, and collaboration with veterinarians and park staff.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education experience.

Responsibilities

  • Cleans and maintains animal habitats, service areas, and guest areas around and adjacent to habitats using chemical agents and special tools to assure the health and safety of the animals.
  • Prepares and distributes animal diets according to approved guidelines provided by the curator of animals.
  • Performs regular maintenance to animal habitats by collecting, installing and maintaining furnishings and substrata to maximize the guest viewing of the animal and to depict its natural environment.
  • Maintains horticulture and grounds in and around animal habitats using tools such as lawn mowers, weed eaters, sprinklers, and blowers.
  • Monitors and records health of animals with observation and periodic physical exams, monitors eating habits, behaviors and reproductive patterns.
  • Observes and interprets normal and abnormal behaviors, health status, and food consumption; advises managers of problems or concerns.
  • Supervises and assigns work to zoo volunteers and interns scheduled in keeper’s area of responsibility; assists in training and evaluation of volunteers.
  • Maintains comprehensive records, reports, and training plans; handles routine correspondence from zoo colleagues and the public; maintains food, supply, and equipment inventory.
  • Reviews available library resources and develops a working knowledge of the in-situ and ex-situ biology of all species in assigned areas.
  • Conducts fecal, water chemistry and minor blood tests and other laboratory procedures.
  • Assists zoo veterinarians in the evaluation, examination and treatment of zoo animals; administers medications and provides first aid to injured zoo animals or wildlife until veterinary help arrives.
  • Assists other park managers with resident wildlife problems within the resort, may include trapping, relocation or euthanasia of sick or nuisance wildlife in accordance with state & federal laws and AVMA and AZA guidelines.
  • Monitors and reports physical plant problems and fire/safety hazards; trained in CPR, first aid and crisis response, may discharge pepper spray or firearms.
  • Provides for the psychological well-being of the animal collection by practicing, documenting and evaluating enrichment; recognizes and addresses abnormal or stereotypical behaviors; applies the principles of operant conditioning to facilitate animal husbandry and veterinary procedures; and completes welfare assessments for the species in their care.
  • Possesses sufficient strength, delicacy, agility and coordination to restrain, capture and/or transfer neonates, fragile or injured animals, or large and strong animals.
  • May hand rear neonates at home and/or return to the zoo at night to care for sick or newborn animals.
  • Provides informational, promotional and educational programs to guests and volunteers; may give tours to assist with training classes and to zoo guests.
  • Follows written and oral instructions.
  • Adheres to the code of professional ethics of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
  • Interact with guests with a cheerful and positive attitude, solve guest concerns in a proper manner, and maintain harmonious working relationships with fellow employees.

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 1-2 years related experience

Job description

Oglebay Park in Wheeling, WV seeks a dedicated wildlife keeper to provide for the physical and psychological well-being of the zoo animals and enclosures. You will assist with interpreting the collection to visitors and support routine animal care.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree or 1–2 years related experience. Responsibilities cover habitat maintenance, animal diets, enrichment, record-keeping, and collaboration with veterinarians and park staff.

Get your free, confidential resume review.

or drag and drop your file here.

Similar jobs

Similar jobs worth comparing

Oglebay Good Zoo Animal Keeper 2
Oglebay Good Zoo Animal Keeper 2

Oglebay • Northern (KY)

On-site
USD 18,000 - 21,000
Zoo Guest Services Specialist
Zoo Guest Services Specialist

ADP • Wheeling (WV)

On-site
USD 12,000 - 17,000
Guest Experience Specialist — Zoo Front Desk
Guest Experience Specialist — Zoo Front Desk

Oglebay-1 • Wheeling (WV)

On-site
USD 17,000 - 22,000
Africa Area Animal Keeper - Enrichment & Welfare Champion
Africa Area Animal Keeper - Enrichment & Welfare Champion

Oregon Metro • Portland (OR)

On-site
USD 37,000 - 51,000
Zookeeper II: Wildlife Care & Enrichment Lead
Zookeeper II: Wildlife Care & Enrichment Lead

Houston Zoo, Inc. • Houston (TX), Northern (KY)

Hybrid
USD 42,000 - 56,000
Medical and Prescription Drug
Vision
Life Insurance
+4
Wildlife Care Keeper: Animal Enrichment & Welfare
Wildlife Care Keeper: Animal Enrichment & Welfare

Kaizen Lab Inc. • Baltimore (MD)

On-site
USD 36,000 - 48,000
Paid time off (PTO)
Medical, dental, vision insurance
401(k) plan with employer match
Mammal Keeper & Zoo Enrichment Specialist
Mammal Keeper & Zoo Enrichment Specialist

The Caldwell Zoo • Tyler (TX)

On-site
USD 28,000 - 42,000
401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
+6
Wildlife Care & Enrichment Specialist
Wildlife Care & Enrichment Specialist

San Diego Zoo • San Diego (CA)

On-site
USD 42,000 - 64,000
Africa Animal Keeper — Enrichment & Care Pro
Africa Animal Keeper — Enrichment & Care Pro

Oregon Metro • Oregon

On-site
USD 37,000 - 51,000
Wildlife Keeper — Full-Time, Hands-On Animal Care
Wildlife Keeper — Full-Time, Hands-On Animal Care

Binder Park Zoo • Battle Creek (MI)

On-site
USD 19,000 - 26,000