Zoo Keeper

Summary Statement

Care for incredible animals while helping create unforgettable experiences for Zoo Boise guests! In this rewarding role, you’ll support the daily care and well-being of native and exotic animals, assist with animal exhibits and transportation, and engage with visitors by sharing information about the animals, conservation, and zoo programs. If you're passionate about animal care, education, and inspiring a love for wildlife, this is your chance to make a difference every day.

About the Role

Ensures animal health and safety by making regular observations and inspections of cages, facilities and animal behavior. Creates and maintains records such as animal descriptions, sex, diet and behavioral characteristics. Investigates cases of unusual animal behavior and reports the behavior to a veterinarian. Prepares food for animals with regards to species, natural eating behavior, special diets or circumstances and recommended frequency. Takes direction from the veterinarian to administer the required medications. Performs cleaning duties in and around cages and zoo grounds. Creates and provides enrichment opportunities for animals, such as scent manipulation, puzzle feeders and altering the design and layout of cages and related items to engage animals and prevent irritation and stress. Trains animals to exhibit specific behaviors. Conducts various presentations, tours and classes for groups, individuals and related public events. Creates educational activities for schools and classes. Interacts with the public and answers questions. Works on projects throughout the zoo's facilities. Builds, adjusts and repairs animal exhibits. Performs various facility maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, changing light bulbs, landscaping and lawn maintenance, minor repairs and unloading animal food stuffs. Transports animals to locations throughout the zoo. Builds transport crates. Attends zoo-specific training. Ensures compliance with regulations and standards. Receives training in the proper use of blow and dart guns, shotguns, immobilizing drugs, control poles and squeeze cages.

Responsibilities

• Makes regular observations and inspections of cages, facilities and animal behavior.
• Maintains records such as animal descriptions, sex, diet and behavioral characteristics.
• Investigates cases of unusual animal behavior and reports the behavior to a veterinarian.
• Prepares food for animals with regards to species, natural eating behavior, special diets or circumstances and recommended frequency.
• Takes direction from the veterinarian to administer the required medications.
• Performs cleaning duties in and around cages and zoo grounds.
• Creates and provides enrichment opportunities for animals, such as scent manipulation, puzzle feeders and altering the design and layout of cages and related items to engage animals and prevent irritation and stress.
• Trains animals to exhibit specific behaviors.
• Conducts various presentations, tours and classes for groups, individuals and related public events.
• Creates educational activities for schools and classes.
• Interacts with the public and answers questions.
• Works on projects throughout the zoo's facilities.
• Buils, adjusts and repairs animal exhibits.
• Performs various facility maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, changing light bulbs, landscaping and lawn maintenance, minor repairs and unloading animal food stuffs.
• Transports animals to locations throughout the zoo.
• Builds transport crates.
• Attends zoo-specific training.
• Ensures compliance with regulations and standards.
• Receives training in the proper use of blow and dart guns, shotguns, immobilizing drugs, control poles and squeeze cages.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience working with small to large non-domestic animals in a similar zoo facility or farm environment.
• Licensing and other requirements: Valid state-issued driver's license.
• Special Requirements: Applicants must be able to pass City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation.
• Driving Record Check: Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
• This position is required to qualify and maintain qualification standards to carry firearms.