Zoo Keeper-Tropics/Carnivore Animal Care Technician 3

Minnesota Zoo; Apple Valley (MN); On-site; USD 56,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Zoological Garden seeks a Tropics/Carnivore Animal Care Technician 3 to care for animals and habitats across Tropics & MN Trail. You will maintain exhibits, assist with interpretive programs, and support guest education while upholding high welfare standards.

This full-time, day-shift role involves travel up to 25% across the campus and occasional offsite needs. A strong background in animal care and safety is essential, with a valid Class D license required.

Qualifications

• Three years of full-time zookeeper experience or equivalent veterinary care experience within the last ten years.
• Experience with a variety of taxa including invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals.
• Experience with primates and/or large carnivores.

Responsibilities

• Perform animal husbandry to maintain the highest level of animal health and exhibition.
• Perform maintenance and cleaning of habitats and work areas to provide a neat, safe guest experience.
• Prepare and participate in interpretive programs to educate guests and staff about biology and conservation.

Skills

Zookeeper experience

Animal care knowledge

Customer service

Driver's license

Education

Biology or Zoology degree

Job description

Working Title: Tropics/Carnivore Animal Care Technician 3

Job Class: Zoo Keeper

Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID: 97312
• Location: Apple Valley
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/30/2026
• Closing Date: 10/13/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Animal Care, Health, Conservation & Behavior/Animal Care / Tropics & MN Trail
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Four 10-hour days, including 1 to 2 weekend days
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $26.88 - $35.79 / hourly; $56,125 - $74,729 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Operations: Birds/MN Trail/Tropics
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

This position provides animal and habitat care and maintenance so that healthy, well-adjusted animals, and attractive, instructive exhibits are presented to guests of the Minnesota Zoo in a manner that supports the Zoo's mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The incumbent ensures appropriate welfare of the animals. The incumbent operates fleet vehicles to move around the Zoo campus.

This position supports operations across a large campus environment and requires the employee to travel between multiple buildings and work sites located throughout the campus to perform assigned duties and respond to operational needs. The incumbent must be able to travel between campus locations in a timely and reliable manner to carry out essential job functions. When job duties require the operation of a motor vehicle to access work sites, transport equipment, or respond to service needs, the employee must be able to safely operate a vehicle and possess a valid and unrestricted driver’s license. his position may also need to travel offsite to support professional development and zoo projects.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Perform animal husbandry procedures as established so that the highest level of animal health and exhibition are maintained.
• Perform maintenance and general cleaning of habitats and work areas as assigned so that a neat and clean appearance and pleasant and safe experience are provided for all guests.
• Prepare, present, and participate in interpretive programs for Zoo guests, staff, and/or volunteers so that staff and guests receive accurate information on the biology, natural history, and conservation of the species in an educational and entertaining manner.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience as a full-time Zookeeper at a zoo or aquarium; OR Three (3) years of experience working in a veterinary hospital involving direct animal care and maintenance. Experience must be within the last ten (10) years and include all of the following:
  • Experience working with a variety of taxa including invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals
  • Experience working with primates and/or large carnivores
  • Observation of animal behaviors
  • Preparation and feeding of animal diets
  • Preparation and maintenance of detailed animal records
  • Maintenance of sanitary animals living conditions
  • Training animals using operant conditioning with positive reinforcement; experience training advanced show and husbandry behaviors
  • Creating goal-based enrichment items
• Customer service skills sufficient to work with co-workers and guests courteously and respectfully.
• Ability to interpret technical literature that relates to the health and management of animals.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity.
• Unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record. On campus travel, may include some off-site travel. Less than 5% offsite.

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree in Biology, Zoology,