Zookeeper

City of Bloomington, IL; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision plans

Wellness program

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Job summary

City of Bloomington, IL seeks an experienced Zookeeper to assist the Animal Care Manager in stewarding the animal collection and maintaining high welfare standards. You will monitor animal well-being, assist with medical treatments, and support enrichment and training programs across areas of the zoo.

You will collaborate with facilities and veterinary teams, maintain records, and contribute to ongoing welfare assessments while upholding DEIA principles and delivering excellent guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Zoology or related field.
• 2+ years AZA paid progressive work experience preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Basic ability to repair and maintain zoo equipment and habitats.

Responsibilities

• Perform Zookeeper duties to maintain high animal care standards.
• Observe animals for physical, psychological, and social well-being and report findings.
• Assist with health care and administration of medical treatments as needed.
• Coordinate with Facilities for repairs and maintain proper records (ZIMS, logs).
• Assist in planning diets, enrichment, and inventory of feeds and equipment.
• Support in staff projects and training of interns and volunteers.
• Participate in conservation programs and animal welfare assessments.

Skills

Animal care knowledge

AZA standards

Operant conditioning

Interpersonal skills

Training interns/volunteers

DEIA principles

Veterinary assistance

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s in Biology or Zoology

Associate degree in Zoo & Aquaria programming

Job description

Description

Under the direction of the Animal Care Manager, assist in stewardship of the Animal Care department, supporting the mission and core values of the Zoo.

Examples of Duties

This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Perform all Zookeeper duties necessary to maintain high standards of animal care and welfare. Maintain familiarity with all husbandry duties. Provide feedback regarding Animal Care protocols, procedures, and area SOPs.
• Observe animals to determine their physical, psychological, and social well-being; report same to the Senior Zookeeper(s) and Animal Care Manager. Inspect all exhibits and related facilities regularly for cleanliness and structural integrity. Maintain areas in compliance with USDA and AZA standards, report potential non-compliance issues.
• Assist with the health care of collection animals by assessing and reporting medical needs. Assist the Vet Technician with the administration of medical treatments including oral, topical and injectable medications, including the use of operant conditioning to facilitate treatment. Monitor and report veterinary concerns; assist veterinary staff in medical treatments, procedures and surgeries as needed.
• Coordinate with Facilities to execute repairs, non-capital renovations and modifications. Identify any potential maintenance or safety issues and take necessary steps to correct or resolve them. Perform repairs, renovations, and modifications directly related to animal wellbeing. Ensure proper records are maintained, including but not limited to: ZIMS, daily logs, Training records, Enrichment logs.
• Collaborate in development and modification of diets, husbandry techniques and area protocols. Assist with ordering and maintaining inventory of feeds, supplies and equipment. Interact with outside vendors and supplies in cooperation with Animal Care Manager.
• Assist in planning and completion of Animal Care staff projects. Coordinate projects with other departments and outside vendors, ensuring scheduling efficiency and maximizing safety, while maintaining positive wellbeing for animals and staff.
• Recognize and report pest control needs in the area; coordinate and execute adequate and appropriate pest control practices; maintain records of pest control.
• Research, develop, and implement species- and individual-specific Operant Conditioning (Training) and Enrichment programs. Conduct annual animal welfare assessments. Aid in reviewing assessments and developing improvement and action plans to constantly improve animal welfare.
• Assist in planning and implementation of programs and events directly related to or impacting the animal collection. Participate with PR team for interviews, tours, media requests and guest experiences as needed.
• Participate in discussions regarding capital improvements, exhibit design, and Master & Collection Plans. Chair or sit as a member of various zoo committees as assigned.
• Participate in the development and performance of keeper training classes for interns and staff. Train and mentor Seasonal Zookeepers, Laborers, interns, and volunteers.
• Function as an AZA IR as directed. Support and/or participate in in situ and ex situ conservation programs.
• Serve as a member of the MPZ Animal Emergency Response Team (weapons team is voluntary).
• Adhere to and support all zoo policies and procedures.

Typical Qualifications

General Skill Levels: Knowledge of:

• Basic knowledge of the care, nutrition, breeding, behavior, and safety precautions for the species held in the zoological collection.
• Knowledge of zoo industry standards, guidelines, and regulations.
• Working knowledge of animal training, enrichment, and welfare theories and applications.

Ability To

• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills to develop/implement solution-based plans/goals. Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Use word processing, spreadsheet, internet, e-mail software, and other applications as needed for appropriate communication and record-keeping.
• Train and supervise interns, volunteers, and new staff.
• Understand and accurately observe, assess, and record animal behavior; monitor and provide for excellent animal wellbeing.
• Demonstrate flexibility in thought and actions, ensuring a progressive, dynamic work environment.
• Always maintain a professional attitude while representing the Miller Park Zoo.
• Provide excellent guest experiences.
• Embody DEIA principles described in MPZ and City policies.

Required Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from accredited college or university in Biology, Zoology, or related field, or Associate’s Degree from an accredited college specializing and Zoo and Aquaria programming.
• 2+ years AZA paid progressive work experience, including husbandry, training, enrichment, and welfare of zoo animals is preferred.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Basic ability to repair and maintain zoo equipment, animal habitats, and facilities.

Certificate or Licenses:

Driver’s License

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments. Position requirements will occur in humid conditions and in a range of outdoor temperatures. Ability to lift/move/carry up to 50 lbs. Annual TB testing is required (may include chest x-rays).

Benefits

Our employees are our greatest asset and reason for our success. As a full-time Local 699 – Public Works/Parks employee, you will receive a Total Compensation package including healthcare/wellness benefits, paid time off (PTO), insurance and retirement. Details below:

Healthcare/Wellness

• Medical - choice between a lower deductible PPO, an HSA-compatible PPO, and an HMO
  • All plans administered by BCBS
  • 75% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s). Working spouse exclusion applies, however, to the Medical Plan
• Dental - PPO
  • Administered by BCBS
  • 50% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s)
• Vision - PPO
  • Administered by VSP
  • 50% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s)
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Extensive Wellness program, including an annual Health Club Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – for assistance with work, health & life topics such as overall wellbeing, relationship management, workplace challenges, addiction, child/elder care resources, legal advice, financial guidance, nutrition & physical health

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 80 hours vacation, provided on your start date
  • 120 hours at 1-4 years of service
  • 160 hours at 5-19 years of service
  • 200 hours at 20-24 years of service
  • 232 hours at 25 years
• 12.5 paid holidays each year
  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Good Friday
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • 4th of July
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Day After Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year’s Eve (1/2 day)
• 2 personal days provided each year
• Opportunity to earn a Wellness Day each year
• 1 sick day earned each month, up to a maximum bank of 90 days

Insurance

• $50,000 Employer-provided benefit
• Voluntary Life Insurance buy-up

Retirement

• Automatic enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Pension – benefit details can be found here
• Voluntary retirement options available:
  • 457 Account (similar to a 401k)
  • Roth IRA
  • Additional Voluntary After-Tax Contribution (VAC) plan via IMRF

Additional benefit details can be found within the union’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.

01

This job posting is for internal employees only. Are you currently a City of Bloomington employee?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you Full-Time or Seasonal?

• Full-Time
• Seasonal

03

What is your date of hire or service date?

• Required Question