Zookeeper, Wildlife Connections

Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zookeeper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry and enclosure maintenance. This position is ideal for a candidate that has working experience, being responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations.   

This position will be working with our ambassador animal collection and involve operant conditioning training skills to showcase natural animal behaviors to guests. Candidates should be excited to engage with guests multiple times per day.

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:

• Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities. 
• Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas. 
• Maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi-aquatic animal species. 
• Maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics and provide a comfortable environment for animals; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures. 
• In conjunction with the Zoo’s pest control officer, may assist in pest control through the use of exclusion or traps. 

• Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding practices and diet sheets. 
• Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff. 
• Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the supervisor. 
• Maintains daily reports, logs, research or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with Microsoft Office software applications. 
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through:  reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions  
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience:  

• Associate’s degree or two years of college level education (60 semester credit hours) in zoology, biology, animal husbandry or a related field. 
• A certificate of completion from an acceptable animal care program of not less than 30 semester hours may be substituted for 30 hours of college hours. 
• One year of experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment, internships, or volunteer experience. 
• Experience with species in captivity, in a conservation setting.  
• Experience with basic carpentry and mechanical skills. 
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license. 

About Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild. 

Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. The 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.     This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. 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  
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following 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

Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits. 

• Free Zoo Membership 
• Free Guest Passes 
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs 
• Free parking    

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer    

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.