ZooKeeper (Seasonal)

Milwaukee County; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee, WI is seeking a Seasonal Zookeeper (Birds) to maintain the welfare of avian populations in line with AZA standards. You will provide daily care for birds, maintain enclosures and support facilities, and engage with volunteers and visitors.

The role requires a High School Diploma or GED, US work authorization, and the ability to lift up to 75 lbs. A valid US driver’s license and ZIMS knowledge within 6 months are essential; Wisconsin residency within six months

Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Active United States Driver's License, maintainable throughout employment.
• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.
• <1 year experience in animal care internship or AZA/comparable setting.
• Basic knowledge of word processing and spreadsheets.
• Basic knowledge of ZIMS within 6 months of hire date.
• Able to lift/carry up to 75 lbs and push/pull up to 25 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care to maintain and enhance the welfare of the zoo animal population.
• Prepare and present approved diets.
• Observe, evaluate, record and report animal activities, behavior, and physical condition.
• Ensure hygiene and maintenance of animal enclosures.
• Collaborate with veterinary teams to promote animal health and nutrition; assist with medical procedures.
• Administer approved medications and treatments under supervision.
• Assist in animal training and enrichment programs.
• Maintain daily records in the Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS).
• Engage with volunteers and visitors; conduct public presentations on care, natural history, conservation and research.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Biology, Education, Veterinary Medicine, Psychology, Conservation, or related field

Tools

ZIMS knowledge

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Job description

Zookeeper (Seasonal) – Birds

Milwaukee County Zoo

Hourly Pay Range: $16.87 to $25.31

Closing Date: 10/27/2026 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Job Summary: The Seasonal Zookeeper role maintains and enhances the welfare of the zoo animal population in accordance with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) advanced standards for professional animal care. Responsible for the daily care of zoo animals, their enclosures, surroundings, and support facilities; daily reporting of assigned areas and specimens; public engagement and education; and animal conservation and research. Incumbents must have a foundation in husbandry and training and a commitment to positive, collaborative team relationships.

Job Duties:

• Provide daily care to maintain and enhance the welfare of the zoo animal population. Prepare and present approved diets. Observe, evaluate, record and report animal activities, behavior, and physical condition with consideration of patterns and natural history. Ensure the tidiness, hygiene, and maintenance of animal enclosures. Collaborate with veterinary teams to promote animal health and nutrition. Assist with medical procedures. Administer approved medications and treatments as prescribed under supervision.
• Assist in animal training and enrichment programs in alignment with established targets for species behavior and wellbeing.
• Ensure the tidiness, hygiene, and maintenance of service areas and surroundings. Operate and maintain animal life-support systems and environmental controls. Identify and report maintenance and pest control needs.
• Report and maintain daily records (e.g. animal feeding habits, diets, breeding behavior, health status, physical conditions, enrichment and training) for quality control and preservation in the Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS).
• Proactively engage with volunteers and visitors to enhance their experience. Conduct formal and informal public presentations, including animal care, natural history, conservation, and research. Maintain positive, collaborative relationships with maintenance, grounds, creative, and all other zoo departments.
• Conduct other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Hold an active United States Driver's License, able to be maintained throughout employment. (If assigned as night Keeper)
• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
• Less than one (1) year of experience in an animal care Internship or other work experience at AZA or comparable professional setting
• Basic knowledge of all related computer and software applications such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Basic knowledge of Zoological Information Management Systems (ZIMS) within six (6) months of hire date.

• Able to lift/carry up to 75lbs and push/pull up to 25lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Biology, Education, Veterinary Medicine, Psychology, Conservation, or a related field

NOTE: This Original application is open to qualified residents of the United States. Appointee must establish Wisconsin State residency within six (6) months of starting date. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION