Zookeeper I (Temporary Zookeeper I Birds)

City of Norfolk; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is seeking a Temporary Zookeeper specializing in Birds. Work with the Bird team and assist in other animal care areas as needed. This role supports animal care, welfare, and visitor education for nearly 500,000 annual guests.

Required are a Bachelor's degree and at least one year as an Animal Caretaker; AZA-experienced applicants are preferred and a valid driver's license is required. Flexible hours including weekends and holidays may apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• One year of experience as an Animal Caretaker.
• AZA experience preferred (3 months in an AZA institution as a zookeeper/intern).
• Valid Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Observe animals for health, behavior, feeding and well-being.
• Feed animals as directed by staff.
• Clean and maintain exhibits, enclosures, and related areas.
• Keep daily records of behavior and exhibit maintenance.
• Supervise interns when required.
• Conduct animal demonstrations and prepare educational presentations.
• Assist in restraint and capture of animals.
• Lift heavy loads and walk long distances.
• Communicate effectively and work in a team.

Skills

Animal handling

Observation

Record keeping

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Restraint equipment

Job description

Norfolk, Virginia stands as America's most genuine and dynamic urban waterfront city. It is the home to the world's largest naval station and serves as the business, arts, and cultural hub of Coastal Virginia. Consistently ranked as an exemplary place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous reputable publications.

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is currently seeking to employ an enthusiastic and seasoned Temporary Zookeeper specializing in Birds. Zookeeper roles are pivotal 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 Bird team within the avian section but may be required to assist in any of the zoo's animal care areas as needed.

The department hiring rate for this position is $21.20 per hour

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.
• Required 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.

One year of experience as an Animal Caretaker.

The preferred candidates will possess:

• A minimum of three months’ experience working in an AZA accredited institution as a zookeeper, paid zookeeper intern, or similar position.

• Valid Driver's License

Work hours:

Working a flexible schedule, which can vary. Working weekends and holidays may be required.

Work location:

Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby Street, Norfolk 23504

IntermittentRetiree Part-time Employees:

IntermittentRetiree part-time employees will work no more than 1040 hours in a twelve (12) month period of time. The hours are flexible and based on the department's operation needs. This position is not eligible for benefits.