Animal Health Keeper II

Description

The Virginia Zoo is seeking an Animal Health Keeper II to join our expanding animal health team. The growing department will include a Senior Director of Animal Health, two associate veterinarians, an office manager/senior veterinary technician, two veterinary technicians, a Lead Animal Health Keeper, and two Animal Health Keepers (one Keeper I and one Keeper II). This position supports the department’s continued expansion.

The Animal Health Keeper II is primarily responsible for daily commissary operations, ensuring accurate and timely preparation and delivery of animal diets. The role also includes providing husbandry care for animals in the hospital or quarantine areas and assisting the veterinary team during animal procedures.

This position offers an opportunity to support the nutrition, care, and welfare of a diverse animal collection within a collaborative, progressive animal health team.

Located just steps from the Chesapeake Bay—with kayak access outside our fence—and only 30 minutes from the oceanfront and three hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Virginia Zoo offers both a meaningful career and an excellent quality of life.

Essential Functions

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

Commissary Operations

• Prepare specialized animal diets following detailed instructions and schedules.
• Chop, grind, portion, and handle food using commercial kitchen equipment.
• Deliver diets to designated animal care areas on time.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of commissary facilities, equipment, and vehicles.
• Receive, inspect, and store food and supplies in compliance with safety standards.
• Monitor and rotate stock; remove expired or spoiled products.
• Maintain accurate records of food usage, inventory, and deliveries.
• Ensure all food meets established quality and safety standards.
• Follow USDA, AZA, HACCP, and Virginia Zoo procedures for food safety and biosecurity.
• Operate equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks.
• Assist Lead Animal Health Keeper with ordering inventory
• Act as point of contact for commissary in absence of Lead Animal Health Keeper
• Liaison with Horticulture Team on Browse program

Animal Care and Husbandry

• Provide husbandry care for animals in hospital or quarantine, following established SOPs.
• Observe animals and document changes in behavior, diet, health, reproductive status, or body condition.
• Feed animals according to nutritional and behavioral requirements set by curatorial and veterinary staff.
• Administer medications as directed.
• Assist with the capture, crating, and transport of animals as needed.
• Provide approved environmental enrichment.
• Clean and maintain animal enclosures, food and water containers, pools, and related areas.
• Demonstrate knowledge of behavioral characteristics and safe handling procedures for a wide variety of species.
• Act as point of contact for quarantine space in absence of Lead Animal Health Keeper

General Responsibilities

• Ensure the health and safety of animals, staff, and the public by following all applicable standards and protocols.
• Adhere to all departmental Standard Operating Procedures.

Education/Experience

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.

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in an AZA zoo commissary
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in an animal care position at an AZA facility
• Bachelor’s degree in a science or nutrition program
• Proven interest in animal nutrition (completion of nutrition courses and/or workshops)
• Intermediate level of knowledge in zoological animal nutrition and dietary needs.
• Ability to follow detailed diet instructions accurately.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and storage procedures following USDA, AZA, and HACCP requirements.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Proficiency in basic computer software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, inventory systems).
• Physical ability to lift/move items up to 50 lbs regularly.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and early hours.

• Valid driver's license required.
• Forklift certification preferred (or must be obtained).

Additional Information & Requirements

Work Location: Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23504

Work Hours: Schedule subject to change based on department needs. Currently Sunday through Thursday 7 am to 4 pm.