Zookeeper - Full Time

Springfield Park District; Springfield, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 57,539,000 - 81,949,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield Park District is seeking a dedicated Zookeeper – Full Time at the Henson Robinson Zoo in Springfield, IL. The role involves caring for a diverse animal collection, maintaining exhibits, and supporting education and conservation efforts.

Responsibilities include feeding, daily animal observations, training program development, and ensuring safety and compliance with zoo standards. This non-exempt bargaining unit position offers a wage scale under the contract and requires

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or closely related discipline required.

Responsibilities

• Clean animal exhibits, walkways, and facilities following protocols.
• Prepare animal diets and feed according to procedures.
• Perform daily observations of animals and report abnormalities to supervisor.
• Develop enrichment and training programs to stimulate natural behaviors.
• Secure animals, enclosures, and related structures.
• Follow safety procedures and respect zoo policies.
• Assist with maintenance of exhibit facilities and grounds.

Skills

Multitasking

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or closely related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Zookeeper - Full Time

Full-Time Springfield, IL, US

Salary Range: $24.34 To $24.34 Hourly

Springfield Park District

Full-Time Zookeeper-Henson Robinson Zoo

Department: Henson Robinson Zoo

Position Title: Zookeeper – Full Time

Reporting Authority: General Curator

Classification: Non-Exempt – Bargaining Unit Position

Salary: Per Contractual Wage Scale

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Henson Robinson Zoo’s General Curator, zookeepers are responsible for the overall care of the animal collection, facilities, displays, and exhibits. Zookeepers are also involved in supporting the zoo’s education and conservation efforts and promoting positive guest experiences through interpretation and professional conduct.

Specific Responsibilities

• Cleans animal exhibits, walkways, grounds, and other facilities within exhibit areas in accordance with established protocols.
• Prepares animal diets and follows proper animal feeding procedures.
• Performs daily observations of animals and exhibit facilities. Recognizes signs of illness that might occur in captive wildlife and reports any abnormalities in animal behavior, animal health, exhibit security, or safety to their immediate supervisor.
• Utilizes proper capture, handling, and restraint techniques to safely maneuver with neonate, injured, or aggressive animals.
• Carries out and keeps accurate records of medical treatments as prescribed by zoo’s veterinarian.
• Recommends improvements in animal care procedures and schedules, exhibit maintenance, and safety.
• Develops and implements approved enrichment and training programs designed to stimulate natural behaviors and enhance animal well‑being.
• Successfully secures animals, their enclosures, and other associated structures.
• Follows all established occupational safety and emergency procedures, ZAA (Zoological Association of America) animal husbandry standards, and USDA licensing standards.
• Engages positively with zoo guests in formal and informal encounters, always remaining courteous while answering questions, enforcing rules, and educating.
• Performs maintenance work on exhibits facilities, grounds, and landscape, including minor repairs. Required to operate power tools, lawn care equipment, vehicles, traverse ladders and other equipment as needed.
• Trains, directs, and monitors Seasonal Zookeepers, volunteers/interns, or others as assigned.
• Works collaboratively with others to maintain a positive and professional team environment.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Director and General Curator, or designee.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or closely related discipline, and one year of experience in the care of animals in a zoological institution, or a suitable combination.
• Must be able to safely work with a wide range of taxa including reptiles, raptors, primates, domestic barnyard animals, and large carnivores.
• Basic computer knowledge, including the use of record‑keeping systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Must be able to multi‑task and adjust to changing procedures, schedules, and time constraints.
• Must be able to work independently and as a part of a team with good communication skills, a high degree of responsibility, and attention to detail.
• Must be able to use a two‑way radio.
• Must be able to safely work in all weather conditions; including snow and humid conditions typical of central Illinois.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, after‑hour events, and some travel for animal shipments or continuing education is required.

Physical Demands: Based on an 8 hour workday

Never= 0 hrs Rarely 0-2 hrs Occasionally 2-4 hrs Frequently= 4-6 hours Continuously= 6-8 hours

• Stand: Frequently
• Walk: Frequently
• Bend: Frequently
• Squat: Occasionally
• Kneel: Frequently
• Climb: Rarely
• Reach: Frequently
• Overhead reaching: Occasionally
• Grasp: Frequently
• Push/Pull: Occasionally
• Twist/Turn: Frequently
• Lift: 11-60 lbs occasionally
• Lift : 1-10 lbs frequently
• Stairs: Occasionally

Other:

• Ability to lift heavy objects (60 lbs) from ground level, move approximately 10 feet and perform this at least 5 times in succession without danger of injury
• Ability to withstand heavy outdoor labor in extreme weather conditions.

Corrected Vision must include:

Corrected Hearing must include:

Speaking skills must include being understandable when speaking:

• On the telephone or radio

General Requirements

• Must be able to read and write and have good command of the English language.
• Good oral and written communication.
• Physical capabilities – lifts 60 pounds, squat, bend and move as necessary for the job.
• Must be able to perform basic mathematics.
• Must have basic proficiency of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Must possess valid Illinois Driver’s License.
• Must possess professional phone skills and work well with the public.
• Must present a neat and professional appearance.
• Responsible to follow policies and procedures outlined in Springfield Park District employee manual.

The Springfield Park District is committed to the provisions of Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative Action to its applicants regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, age sex, marital or veterans’ status, national origin, disability or any other legally protected status.