Zoo Keeper

Idaho Falls; Idaho Falls, Northern (ID, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

PERSI retirement plan

Job summary

The City of Idaho Falls Zoo, operated by the City of Idaho Falls, is seeking a full-time Animal Keeper to bolster a 9-keeper team caring for ~300 animals, including carnivores, primates, and birds. This role emphasizes welfare, enrichment, and exhibit maintenance within a collaborative environment.

Under supervision of the Lead Keeper and General Curator, you will support husbandry, behavioral management, and accurate records while ensuring safety for staff and guests in a year-round outdoor

Qualifications

• Graduation from a 4-year college with a degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Behavior or related field.
• Three years of experience in the care of captive wildlife, preferably in an AZA institution.
• Must possess a valid Idaho driver's license; able to lift up to 75 lbs; able to work evenings, weekends and holidays; CPR/First Aid; pass background check.

Responsibilities

• Monitors health and behavior of animals in assigned area daily.
• Prepares animal feed and feeds according to diets.
• Cleans and disinfects enclosures and exhibits.
• Provides enrichment and training to improve animal management and visitor education.
• Maintains detailed records of behavior, feeding, health, and treatments.

Skills

Zoology/Animal Biology

Animal behavior

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Zoology/Biology/Animal Behavior

Tools

Darting equipment

Vehicle operation

CPR/First Aid certifications

Job description

Be a part of a dynamic team whose common goal is to make a difference in our community. It is amazing to know that by being a part of the City of Idaho Falls team, you would be doing important work for our community that affects people’s lives. Every day brings new challenges and rewards!

General Purpose

The Idaho Falls Zoo, owned and operated by the City of Idaho Falls, is excited to post a full time Animal Keeper position. We are seeking a skilled, energetic individual to fill this full time Zoo Keeper. This position is a swing position that will be providing primary support for the carnivore area while also assisting with the care and management of a mixed-species area of the zoo that includes primates, birds, and other taxa. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare through exceptional husbandry, behavioral management, enrichment, operant conditioning, and exhibit maintenance. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the Animal Care team to support the zoo’s mission of conservation, education, and excellence in animal care while ensuring a safe, enriching, and engaging environment for both animals and guests. This position requires flexibility, strong communication and observational skills, and a commitment to AZA accreditation standards, continuous professional development, and a collaborative, team-oriented workplace.

This role will join a 9-keeper team in caring for a collection of approximately 300 animals; with a diverse collection, no two days are the same at the Idaho Falls Zoo! Southeast Idaho is a year-round outdoor recreationist paradise. We are within 2 hours of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, and just 3 hours from the Salt Lake City International Airport. The zoo is a 7-acre (but expanding!) community attraction that welcomes over 100,000 visitors each season. The zoo is closed to the public during the winter months.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of the Lead Keeper and the General Curator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May provide supervision and assistance to seasonal zoo keepers and volunteers.

Essential Functions

• Monitors health and behavior of all animals within assigned area on a daily basis.
• Prepares animal feed and feeds animals according to specified diets.
• Cleans and disinfects animal enclosures and exhibits.
• Prepares exhibits to present animals in natural settings. This includes props (trees, shrubs, etc.), location of feeding stations and lighting, etc.
• Provides input to supervisors on exhibit design or modification.
• Inspects exhibits on a daily basis to assess overall condition and safety; performs minor exhibit and enclosure maintenance as needed.
• Ensures all safety and security protocols are followed.
• Under the supervision of the veterinarian, administers oral or injectable medications to animals in the collection.
• Develops and implements enrichment activities for different animal species.
• Trains and conditions animals to improve animal management, provide enrichment, and promote visitor education.
• Maintains appropriate and detailed records including, but not limited to daily animal behavior, feeding schedules, dietary needs, health problems, treatment schedules, enrichment and training, etc.
• Assists in the capture and/or physical/chemical restraint and transportation of animals.
• Participates in emergency drills.
• Maintains proficiency with darting equipment and firearms, and serves on the firearms and emergency response teams.
• Monitors zoo facilities to ensure the safety of zoo patrons and employees.
• Assists with a variety of facility maintenance projects as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1. Education and Experience: A. Graduation from a 4-year college with a degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Behavior or related field; AND B. Three (3) years of experience in the care of captive wildlife, preferably in an AZA institution; OR C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of the general care and maintenance of animals; animal biology and behavior; operation of light equipment, such as pick-up, tractor, etc.; operation of common hand and power tools; basic math and writing skills.
• 3. Special Qualifications: Must possess a valid Idaho driver's license. This position is required to work in all weather conditions. Must be able to lift , carry, push and/or pull up to 75 lbs unassisted. Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Maintain First Aid and CPR Certifications. Must complete training in use of firearms and chemical immobilization equipment. Final candidate must pass a criminal background check.

Physical demands

Work Environment Tasks require a variety of physical activities generally involving muscular strain. Physical demands may occur in activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, lifting, etc. Talking, hearing and seeing required in the daily performance of job duties. Exposure to weather, environmental hazards and dangers resulting from working around dangerous animals and equipment. Mental application utilizes memory for details, emotional stability and discriminating thinking and creative problem solving.

Disclaimer

The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. Management reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed with or without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $20.10

Benefits

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, vision and life coverage. You will also be eligible for retirement benefits through PERSI. PERSI is a defined benefit plan that offers guaranteed retirement benefits for full-time employees.

About the City of Idaho Falls

Join a team that’s shaping one of the best places to live and work in the country. As the largest city in eastern Idaho—and consistently recognized for job growth and livability—the City of Idaho Falls offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment. Our employees enjoy meaningful public service careers across 11 departments, including parks and recreation, utilities, public safety, and more. We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and retirement through the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI). With a strong community spirit, beautiful natural surroundings, and year-round recreational and cultural activities, Idaho Falls is more than a workplace—it’s a place to grow, thrive, and make a difference.