Zookeeper I Asia

City of Norfolk; Norfolk (VA); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is seeking an enthusiastic Zookeeper to join the Asia section, focusing on orangutan, gibbon, tiger, and other species to ensure high standards of care and visitor education.

Responsibilities include observing animals, feeding per curatorial instructions, maintaining exhibits, keeping daily records, supervising interns, and conducting demonstrations. Great ape experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• One year of experience as a Zookeeper in an AZA-accredited institution.
• Great ape experience preferred.
• Willingness to lift heavy objects and work weekends.

Responsibilities

• Observe animals and monitor health and behavior.
• Feed animals per instruction from curatorial staff.
• Clean and maintain exhibits and enclosures.
• Keep daily animal records and assist with demonstrations.
• Supervise interns when required.
• Assist in restraint and handling of animals.
• Work 40 hours per week; weekends/holidays may be required.

Skills

Animal care

Team player

Observation skills

Record keeping

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

2-year associate's degree with zoo/wildlife program

Tools

Animal restraint equipment

Zoo exhibits maintenance tools

Job description

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is currently seeking to employ an enthusiastic and experienced Zookeeper for the Asia section. Zookeeper roles are essential in ensuring animal care, welfare, and safe working conditions within the zoo, which houses numerous rare, endangered, and potentially dangerous species.

This position will operate within a collaborative team environment, contributing significantly to maintaining high standards in animal care, presentation, and customer service for nearly 500,000 annual zoo visitors. The candidate will primarily work with the Asia team within the Asia section but may be required to assist in any of the zoo's animal care areas as needed. Species in the Asia section include orangutan, siamang, gibbon, tiger, moon bear, tapir, otter, red panda, African painted dog, and cranes. Preferred candidate will have great ape experience.

For over 125 years The Virginia Zoological Park has been committed to saving and protecting the world's wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world.

Come live by the beautiful Chesapeake Bay; kayak launch sites are just outside our perimeter fence. We are situated 30 minutes from the ocean front and 3 hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Department Hiring Salary Range: $44,094 – $50,599

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Observes animals, checking for medical problems, changes in behavior, feeding habits, and overall well-being.

• Feeds animals as specified by curatorial and veterinary staff in accordance with nutritional and behavioral requirements.

• Cleans, disinfects, and maintains animal exhibits, enclosures, food and water dishes, pools, and other areas.

• Keeps daily records on each animal (behavioral observations, and exhibit integrity and maintenance, etc.).

• Supervises interns when required.

• Conducts animal demonstrations for zoo visitors and writes educational presentations.

• Must be able to handle and assist in the restraint and capture of animals.

• Must be able to lift heavy feed and manure receptacles and walk long distances.

• Must have knowledge of behavioral characteristics and handling procedures for assigned animals.

• Must have knowledge of animal restraint apparatus such as ropes, squeeze cages, catch poles, shifts, nets etc.

• Must be able to use tools and operate small equipment.

• Requires normal hearing and seeing capabilities and the ability to stand, bend, lift, stoop, push and pull.

• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and work in a team environment.

• Must work in a friendly and professional manner with staff, volunteers, colleagues, and zoo visitors.

• Other duties as assigned.

Work requires broad knowledge in a general profession or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, or a 2-year associate's degree from an accredited college with a dedicated zoo keeping or wildlife program.

One year of experience as a Zookeeper in an AZA accredited institution.

Preferred candidate will have great ape experience.

Work hours: 40 hours a week worked over a 5-workday schedule; schedule may vary. Working weekends and holidays may be required.

Work location: Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby Street, Norfolk 23504