Lead Zookeeper - Africa

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is seeking to hire an enthusiastic and experienced Lead Zookeeper of Africa. Zookeeper positions play an essential role in animal care, welfare and ensuring safe working environments at the zoo where we maintain many rare, endangered and potentially dangerous animals. This position is a field supervisory position that leads the Africa area team of zookeepers in the Animal Services department. The position carries out essential tasks directly, also serves to teach, mentor and ensure good performance of zookeepers doing the same. This position is essential for animal care, health, hygiene and welfare; as well as to ensure that a good standard of presentation is maintained for our nearly 500,000 visitors to the zoo each year.

For nearly 100 years The Virginia Zoological Park has been committed to saving and protecting the world's wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world. Come live by the beautiful Chesapeake Bay; kayak launch sites are just outside our perimeter fence. We are situated 30 minutes from the ocean front and 3 hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains.


Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Provides experienced husbandry care for the mammals and birds in the Africa collection at the Virginia Zoo directly and supervises other zookeepers, interns and volunteers in doing the same.
• Coordinates behavioral training and enrichment programs for the mammals and birds in the Africa collection, implements breeding protocols, assists veterinarian with physical examinations, and observing behavior.
• Ensures good facilities maintenance and display standards for the Africa exhibits and surrounding public spaces including area theming.
• Undertakes daily cleaning and maintaining of exhibits and exhibit areas, service areas and animal holding units, utilizing various tools, instruments, disinfectants; with the ability to do so safely and supervise others to do the same.
• Performs administrative duties by keeping records on animal behavior and exhibit repairs, maintaining inventory, filling out paperwork and surveys, serving as the Institutional Representative for various SSP’s, conducting research when requested, preparing reports and presenting findings, attending meetings, and training volunteers and personnel.
• Assists Animal Services managers with staff evaluations and performance reviews of zookeepers, interns and volunteers in assigned area.
• Educates the public by conducting tours, providing information, and giving presentations when required.
• Assists in staff training and education for employee development, setting team goals and implementing policies and implementing work plans with Animal Services managers.
• Responsible for upholding organizational policy.
• Recognizes signs of pest infestation in animal areas and follows standard pest control protocols as directed.
• Ability to communicate work instructions, directions and organizational policy clearly and effectively.
• 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.

Five years of experience as a zookeeper or exotic animal care professional.

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or a 2-year associate degree from an accredited college with a dedicated zoo keeping or wildlife program.

• Five years or more working as a full-time zookeeper in an AZA accredited institution.

Salary : $41,775 - $69,795