Mill Mountain Zoo is located on the top of Mill Mountain, overlooking the City of Roanoke and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Mill Mountain Zoo is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, whose mission is to promote an appreciation and understanding of wildlife and habitat preservation through the use of quality exhibits and educational programs, and to work in cooperation with other animal conservation programs.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Mill Mountain Zoo is seeking a self-motivated, flexible, and responsible Zookeeper to join our Animal Department Team. This full-time position consists of 40 hours per week and includes weekends, holidays, and occasional early and evening hours. This position will provide daily animal care within assigned areas of the zoo to ensure excellent animal welfare for a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. General cleaning, and routine maintenance of animal exhibits, enclosures, and surrounding areas to ensure a clean and safe environment for animals, staff, and guests.

DUTIES AND RESPOSIBILITIES:

• Perform animal husbandry procedures as established so the highest level of animal health and welfare is maintained, according to SOP’s.
• Daily observations of animal health and behavior, diet preparation, feeding, watering, cleaning, enrichment, training, administering prescribed medications, and assisting with captures, restraint, and/or veterinary procedures, according to SOPs.
• Accurate daily documentation and recordkeeping in the ZIMS database, as required for animal standards.
• Perform cleaning and maintenance of exhibits and work areas as required for animal standards and to ensure compliance with USDA regulations.
• Follow and execute standard operating procedures accurately and consistently.
• Participate in staff training and drills.
• Maintain a neat, clean, pleasant, and safe environment for all staff and guests.
• Foster and maintain positive, professional, and respectful working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and directors
• Collaborate with other zoo personnel in the facilities department, guest services department, education department, and administrative department to maintain consistent and direct communications with zoo-wide collaboration on initiatives and public events.
• Participate in keeper chats, trainings, events, programs, and tours.
• Present accurate animal information on biology, natural history, and conservation in a professional, educational, and engaging manner.
• Take part in training seasonal interns and volunteers within the department as needed.
• Engage with guests and represent Mill Mountain Zoo in a professional, polite, and friendly manner.
• Perform other duties as needed for the role.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• A Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Conservation, or related field, preferred.
• One-year paid animal care and handling experience or internship within a zoological setting, preferred.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, wildlife conservation, and education.
• Ability to complete daily tasks as directed by supervisor and in accordance with SOPs with minimum supervision.
• Knowledge of computer skills including Word, Excel, and other Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to learn and work agency specific software (ZIMS) for animal documentation/recordkeeping.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and ability to effectively speak to diverse audiences.
• Must have good organizational and time management skills, and ability to multi-tasks.
• Must be punctual and able to attend work consistently.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team of both staff and volunteers.
• Some power/hand tool experience preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must have a strong work ethic.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• Be in good physical health.
• Able to safely lift, move, and pull 80 lbs.
• Able to stand and walk for long periods throughout the day.
• Ability to walk up and down steep terrain, and on uneven terrain.
• Ability to hear, see in color, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, reach, twist, balance, push/pull, and climb stairs and ladders.
• Able to work outdoors year-round in all periods of inclement weather – extreme heat/cold, snow, ice, wind, hail, sleet, and rain.
• Able to maintain a clean, professional appearance.
• Successful completion of a post-offer background check and drug screening.

BENEFITS:

• Eligible to begin accruing paid leave after a 90-day probationary period.
• Mill Mountain Zoo offers participation in health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, short/long-term disability, and term-life insurance. Benefits begin the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.

TO APPLY:

• Email resume, cover letter, and 3 references to: julia@mmzoo.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $12.50 - $14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Every weekend
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Animal care: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Roanoke, VA 24014 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Roanoke, VA 24014: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person