Zookeeper III, Hoofstock

Houston Zoo; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Prescription Drug

Vision

Dental

401k with employer match

Free Zoo Membership

Free Guest Passes

Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs

Free parking

Job summary

The Houston Zoo is seeking a motivated animal care professional who will observe and care for animals, administer medications, and communicate effectively with the team. The successful candidate must possess problem-solving abilities and be comfortable with public speaking.

Experience in animal care in a zoo or veterinary setting is required, along with specific training in relevant fields. Benefits include medical coverage, a 401k plan with employer matching, and free zoo membership.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in animal care in a zoo setting or under a licensed veterinarian.
• Specific training in aquaculture, nature centers, or conservation centers may qualify.

Responsibilities

• Observes and evaluates animal condition, behavior, and responses.
• Prepares and feeds appropriate diets according to prescribed guidelines.
• Administers prescribed medications and monitors consumption.
• Checks integrity of enclosures, ensuring safety for animals and visitors.
• Maintains clean and organized exhibits and equipment.

Skills

Problem solving

Written communication

Oral communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Operant conditioning

Public speaking

Education

High school diploma

Experience in animal care in a zoo setting

Job description

A successful candidate for this position is motivated, energetic, and a team oriented individual with good problem solving, written/oral communication, and organizational/interpersonal skills. This candidate will have solid knowledge in operant conditioning, implementation of animal training and enrichment programs, as well as, being comfortable with public speaking.

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Observes and evaluates animal condition, behavior and responses and communicates observations orally and on written reports.
• Prepares and feeds appropriate diets, noting conformance of foods provided to diets prescribed for each animal.
• Administers prescribed medications and dietary supplements and monitors food and medicine consumption.
• Checks on integrity of enclosures and structures, ensuring safety and welfare of animals, Zoo visitors, and staff in accordance with established guidelines.
• Maintains live plants within enclosures ensuring neat, attractive exhibits.
• Performs minor repairs and preventative maintenance as necessary.
• Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.
• Improves the quality of life of the animal collection by providing environmental and behavioral enrichment opportunities.
• Trains selected animals through operant conditioning for purposes of gaining cooperation for veterinary treatment and/or public demonstrations.
• Installs exhibit furnishings, props, and decorations safely, attractively and in a manner consistent with Zoo guidelines.

Education and Experience

• One year of experience in animal care in a zoo setting or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian is required, which may be gained through internships, volunteer experience, or employment.
• Extensive domestic animal experience may qualify for substitution for exotic animal management experience.
• Specific training and work experience in other settings, such as aquaculture, schools, nature centers, agricultural operations, or conservation centers may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis as fulfillment for the experience requirements.
• Starting salary will be a function of the levels of experience and relevant post‑high school education.

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. It is not intended to be exhaustive or authoritative. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at‑will basis.

Benefits

• Medical and Prescription Drug
• Vision
• Dental
• Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
• Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Supplemental Life
• Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
• 401k, with employer match
• Free Zoo Membership
• Free Guest Passes
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
• Free parking