Zookeeper

The Red River Zoo is looking to add a part-time Swing Keeper to our team.

About the Red River Zoo : The Red River Zoo, nestled in Fargo, North Dakota, cares for exotic and native animal species that thrive in climates similar to the Red River Valley.

Our team of committed professionals’ cares for 150 animals across 50 species, while also creating engaging educational experiences for our guests.

We pride ourselves on being a hub of wildlife conservation and education in our region. We are dedicated to engaging diverse communities in conservation efforts, delivering high-quality educational outreach programs, fostering a supportive team culture, and creating fun, welcoming experiences for all our guests.

We prioritize the physical and mental well-being of our animals through advanced healthcare, nutrition, and behavioral husbandry programs.

Everything you see at our zoo is made possible through hard work, volunteerism, philanthropy, and a touch of magic.

General Description : As a Swing Keeper at the Red River Zoo, you’ll join a team committed to excellence in animal care.

Your role will involve daily husbandry and welfare of assigned species and their habitats, engaging with the public professionally, and collaborating seamlessly with other departments.

Key Duties and Responsibilities (Zookeepr I) :

• Follows established animal husbandry protocols.
• Ensures animal habitats are cleaned daily and maintained for optimal health and safety of animal collection, and in accordance with USDA and AZA requirements.
• Daily inspection of assigned areas.
• Ensures exhibits provide a positive and professional public appearance.
• Incorporates enrichment program into daily animal care and records enrichment activities in daily log.
• Incorporates operant conditioning program into daily animal care per policy.
• Daily observation for detection and prevention of disease.
• Able to observe and interpret changes in animal behavior and other indicators of health and welfare and both record these using ZIMS and notify appropriate staff.
• Able to identify safely concerns for animals, staff, or the public and report them properly.
• Clean and maintain the zoo commissary, food storage areas such as hay barn or supply rooms, and shared office areas; assist with unloading supplies from delivery trucks.
• Supervision of volunteers and interns as directed.
• Represents Red River Zoo in a professional manner.
• Makes recommendations and shares ideas for improvement to the General Curator.
• Manages time efficiently.
• Maintain lawn and landscaping within animal habitats; able to safely operate lawn and maintenance equipment; assist horticulture staff with landscaping outside of animal exhibits.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the zoo management team on specific departmental needs or zoo wide needs and responsibilities, work collaboratively with other zoo staff and departments.
• Assists with tours and events as directed.
• Makes minor exhibit repairs and improvements.

Experience Required

Education and Experience :

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology, or related field preferred but not required.
• Completion of a zookeeping internship at an AZA-accredited zoo preferred.
• One year full-time or two years part-time paid experience in AZA-accredited facility preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current animal husbandry and welfare best practices.
• Experience in creating and implementing enrichment and operant conditioning techniques.
• Ability to effectively communicate interpretive information to the public.Additional Requirements :
• Physical ability to perform strenuous tasks and lift up to 60 lbs.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Comfort working from heights or in confined spaces.
• Valid driver’s license.

Last updated : 2024-07-06