Aquatic Ectotherms Keeper

About the Role

This position is responsible for maintaining and caring for a variety of animals within the Bait Shack, Great Barrier Reef, and Mountains and Deserts areas. You will assist veterinary staff as needed and perform various activities related to animal husbandry and facility upkeep.

Responsibilities

• Provide necessary husbandry parameters and appropriate environments for species in assigned areas.
• Maintain cleanliness of all animal enclosures, including interior/exterior glass, substrate siphoning, water changes, and removal of uneaten food.
• Strip and clean enclosures as needed (e.g., disease or parasite issues, animal death, new species introduction, or dirty substrate/props).
• Conduct regular water chemistry tests following all protocols.
• Check dangerous animal enclosures and locks daily for security; report issues to supervisor immediately.
• Monitor animals and life support systems (LSS) daily; record observations in TRACKS and submit Health Alerts as needed.
• Provide back-up coverage as a relief keeper, including recording observations, cleaning, and feeding.
• Note and report abnormal feeding patterns in TRACKS and at weekly staff meetings.
• Carry out animal diet directives from management; discuss any changes with supervisor.
• Check out with supervisor before leaving; relay pertinent information verbally.
• Maintain all animal records, including updated cage cards and TRACKS entries.
• Implement animal training and enrichment directives within instructed time frames; record in TRACKS.
• Follow all venomous animal and diving protocols strictly; maintain and log diving equipment properly.
• Maintain a safe, clutter-free work environment; keep work areas and building parameters clean and debris-free.
• Monitor building temperatures and equipment; report malfunctions to supervisor.
• Conduct routine filter changes and backwashes; check and replace flow meters as needed.
• Act professionally and courteously with coworkers and zoo visitors; present keeper talks as scheduled.
• Maintain a positive work environment and team atmosphere; manage time to complete daily routines and extra projects.
• Maintain live prey and food cultures in adequate supply.
• Keep public and keeper work areas organized and clean (e.g., floors swept/mopped, cobwebs removed, shelves/exhibits dusted).
• Hang and replace specialty bulbs at appropriate distances; record light meter readings in TRACKS.
• Clean and store animal equipment properly to prevent disease transmission; use and maintain footbaths as directed.
• During animal section redistributions, conduct visual inspections with supervisor and new keeper, discuss husbandry procedures, and update records.
• Submit a target species list annually, including environment manipulation details, enclosure descriptions, and desired husbandry changes.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned in Animal Programs Keeper job description.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• One year of zoo keeping experience.
• Scuba certification required for Aquarist position.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability.
• Ability to work independently, follow oral and written instructions, and communicate clearly.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate for assigned duties.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, zoology, animal behavior, biology, ecology, psychology, or related field preferred.
• Specialized training in zoology or a related field desirable but not required.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

Work Environment

• Team-oriented environment with irregular hours, including holidays and weekends.
• Exposure to domestic and wild or potentially dangerous animals, animal odors, and body fluids.
• Exposure to all types of inclement weather conditions and chemicals (cleaning, water additives, etc.).
• May work around animals susceptible to specific diseases; may require tuberculosis and rabies titer testing and use of personal protective equipment.
• Ability to work special events and functions as required.

Benefits

• Medical and Prescription Drug coverage (Employee: 90% Employer Paid, Dependent: 55% Employer Paid).
• Vision and Dental coverage.
• Basic Life and AD&D (100% Employer Paid).
• Short Term and Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid).
• Supplemental Life Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• 401k retirement plan.
• Paid Time Off (accrual equivalent to 5 weeks per year, with rollover and sell-back options).
• Free Zoo Membership and Guest Passes.
• Discounts on food, merchandise, attractions, admission, and programs.