Zookeeper II - (Full-Time)

Lucky Ladd Farms; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Medical Insurance

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Paid Professional Development

Unlimited admission for you and 5 gu s

Discounts on dining and merchandise

Annual team member appreciation event

Employee referral bonus program

Work shirt, work boots, and name badge

Job summary

Lucky Ladd Farms is seeking a Zookeeper II (Swing) to join our Animal Care team. This hands-on role involves cross-training across hoofstock, birds, reptiles, and more, with daily husbandry and enrichment.

You’ll monitor animal health, assist with basic veterinary tasks, and mentor newer staff while delivering engaging guest experiences. The position requires a degree in animal science or related field and at least two years of AZA/ZAA-accredited facility experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in animal science, zoology, life science, or similar field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily husbandry: cleaning, disinfecting, feeding, watering, and monitoring animals.
• Observe and report health and behavior changes; assist with basic veterinary procedures.
• Implement enrichment and participate in operant conditioning/training sessions.
• Maintain accurate records using AnimalCare software and paper logs.
• Follow 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 Keeper I and seasonal staff in assigned areas.

Skills

Animal care

Observational skills

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Education

Bachelor's degree in animal science or related field

Tools

AnimalCare software

Job description

Lucky Ladd Farms, an award-winning agritourism destination in Middle Tennessee, is seeking an experienced Zookeeper II (Swing) to join our Animal Care team. This is a hands-on role for a serious animal care professional who wants to work with a diverse mixed collection and support a high-standard, guest-focused program.

As a Swing Keeper, you will be cross-trained and rotate through multiple sections (hoofstock and farm animals, small mammals, birds/aviary, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates), providing daily husbandry and helping deliver engaging guest experiences.

YOUR ROLE ON OUR TEAM:

• Perform daily husbandry: cleaning, disinfecting, feeding, watering, and monitoring animals
• Observe and report health and behavior changes; assist with basic veterinary procedures
• Implement enrichment and participate in operant conditioning/training sessions
• Maintain accurate records using AnimalCare software and paper logs
• 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 Keeper I and 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 two years of paid animal care experience in an AZA or ZAA accredited facility (or equivalent professional zoological/wildlife setting)
• Solid independent husbandry skills for at least one taxa group (e.g., hoofstock, small mammals, birds, reptiles/amphibians), multi-species preferred.
• Experience with enrichment and exposure to positive-reinforcement training
• 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 annual salary based on experience: $35,360-$40,560 ($17.00-$19.50 equivalent)
• Free meal when you work a 6+ hour shift
• 401(k) with match
• Medical Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• 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

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.