Zookeeper I (full-time)

Lucky Ladd Farms; Ladd (IL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 23,419; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Free meal on long shifts

Paid Professional Development

Unlimited admission for you and 5

Dining and merchandise discounts

Annual team event

Employee referral bonus

Work shirt, boots, name badge

Advancement after 1 year with benefits

Job summary

Lucky Ladd Farms in Middle Tennessee is seeking a Zookeeper I (Swing) to join our Animal Care team. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience with a mixed collection in a professional, guest-facing setting.

The Swing Keeper rotates through hoofstock, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and more, performing daily husbandry, observing animal health, and supporting enrichment and guest talks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in animal science or a related field.
• At least one year of work experience at a zoological facility or similar setting.
• Basic knowledge of animal husbandry and behavior for at least one taxa group.
• Excellent observational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work weekends/holidays and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily husbandry: cleaning, feeding, monitoring animals.
• Observe and report health or behavior changes to senior staff.
• Assist with enrichment plans and basic training.
• Complete logs and checklists accurately and on time.
• Supervise guest-animal interactions and give keeper talks.
• Mentor seasonal staff in assigned areas.

Skills

Observation skills

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Problem solving

Animal welfare passion

Education

Bachelor's degree in animal science

Job description

Job Description

Lucky Ladd Farms, an award-winning agritourism destination in Middle Tennessee, is hiring an Zookeeper I (Swing) to join our Animal Care team. This is a great opportunity for early-career keepers who are serious about animal welfare and want to gain broad experience with a mixed collection in a professional, guest-facing setting.

Zookeeper I - Swing (Full-Time)

Lucky Ladd Farms, an award-winning agritourism destination in Middle Tennessee, is hiring an Zookeeper I (Swing) to join our Animal Care team. This is a great opportunity for early-career keepers who are serious about animal welfare and want to gain broad experience with a mixed collection in a professional, guest-facing setting.

As a Swing Keeper, you\'ll be cross-trained and rotate through multiple areas (hoofstock and farm animals, small mammals, birds/aviary, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates), providing daily husbandry and supporting interactive, educational guest experiences.

Your Role On Our Team

• Perform daily husbandry: cleaning, disinfecting, feeding, watering, and monitoring animals
• Observe and report changes in health and behavior to senior staff
• Implement established enrichment plans and participate in basic training sessions as directed
• Complete daily logs and checklists accurately and on time
• Follow all SOPs to ensure USDA and TWRA compliance, and plan for ZAA accreditation
• Supervise guest-animal interactions in encounter areas; provide scheduled keeper talks
• Help mentor seasonal staff in assigned areas

Successful Candidates Have These Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in animal science, zoology, life science, or similar field preferred.
• At least one year of work experience at a zoological facility, wildlife rehab, or similar professional setting
• Basic knowledge of animal husbandry and behavior for at least one taxa group (e.g., hoofstock, small mammals, birds, reptiles/amphibians), multi-species preferred.
• Excellent observational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Passion for animal welfare and a commitment to maintaining high standards of care
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs, standing on your feet for extended periods of time, bending, stooping, and extending oneself
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Willing and able to work a variable swing schedule, including weekends and holidays
• Proof of current rabies vaccination, or willingness to be vaccinated, at LLF expense.

Benefits Of Joining Our Team

• Competitive hourly based on experience: $15.00-$17.00
• Free meal when you work a 6+ hour shift
• Paid Professional Development
• Free meal when you work a 6+ hour shift
• Unlimited admission for you and 5 guests
• Discounts on dining and merchandise
• Annual team member appreciation event
• Employee referral bonus program
• Work shirt, work boots, and name badge provided
• Opportunity for advancement after one year with additional benefits including Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and 401(k) with matching.

Schedule

• Variable swing schedule with weekend and holiday requirements
• On call rotation for after hours animal emergencies

Employment offers for all positions may be contingent on the satisfactory results of a criminal background check and preemployment drug screen. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Lucky Ladd Farms does not discriminate in hiring or terms and conditions of employment because of an individual\'s race creed, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or national origin. Lucky Ladd Farms only hires individuals authorized for employment in the United States.