ZOOKEEPER

City of Clovis, New Mexico; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Clovis invites applications for Zookeeper I. Under direct supervision, you will perform entry-level animal care tasks, feed and care for zoo animals, and help maintain clean facilities.

This is an entry-level role in the animal care classification with supervision from experienced staff. The position emphasizes safety, teamwork, and daily operations, including public interactions and basic training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience working with animals preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and distributes food and water according to feeding schedules.
• Cleans and sanitizes animal enclosures, holding areas, and feeding areas.
• Assists with routine animal handling and care activities.
• Observes animal behavior and health and reports concerns to supervisory staff.
• Interacts with visitors in a professional manner and provides general information about zoo operations.

Skills

Animal care

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Observation & reporting

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Title: Zookeeper I
Job Class Code: 2057
Department: Parks & Recreation – Zoo Division
Reports To: Animal Care Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes
Salary: $35,238.00 to $52,857.00

Job Summary

Under direct supervision, this position performs entry-level work in the care, feeding, cleaning, and maintenance of zoo animals and facilities. The Zookeeper I supports daily animal care operations, observes animal behavior, and assists in maintaining safe and sanitary environments for animals and the public. This position serves as the training and entry level within the animal care classification and works under close supervision or direction from experienced staff.

Typical Duties

Animal Care & Husbandry

• Prepares and distributes food and water according to established feeding schedules
• Cleans and sanitizes animal enclosures, holding areas, and feeding areas
• Assists with routine animal handling and care activities
• Observes animal behavior and health and reports concerns to supervisory staff

Facility & Habitat Maintenance

• Maintains cleanliness of enclosures, service areas, and public-facing spaces
• Assists with minor maintenance and upkeep of zoo facilities and habitats
• Removes waste, debris, and hazardous materials to maintain sanitary conditions

Safety & Animal Handling

• Follows established safety procedures when working around animals
• Uses appropriate protective equipment and handling techniques
• Maintains awareness of animal behavior and environmental hazards

Operational Support

• Assists with daily zoo operations and assigned tasks
• Supports preparation of materials and equipment for animal care activities

Customer Service & Public Interaction

• Interacts with visitors in a professional manner
• Provides general information about animals and zoo operations when appropriate

Training & Skill Development

• Participates in training related to animal care, safety, and procedures

Other Duties

• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience working with animals preferred

Licenses & Certifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Basic animal husbandry practices (feeding, cleaning, enclosure care)
• Safe animal handling techniques
• Sanitation and cleaning procedures

Skills in:

• Following established care routines and procedures
• Observing and reporting animal behavior and condition
• Cleaning and maintaining enclosures and facilities
• Using basic tools and equipment

Abilities to:

• Work under supervision in a dynamic environment
• Perform physically demanding work
• Follow detailed instructions and procedures
• Recognize and report unusual animal behavior or hazards
• Work as part of a team

Physical Requirements

Work involves standing, walking, bending, lifting, and performing manual tasks. Position requires the ability to safely work around animals, handle equipment and materials, and perform physically demanding tasks associated with animal care and facility maintenance.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to animals, weather, noise, and potentially hazardous conditions. Position is safety sensitive and subject to drug testing.