Zookeeper, Australia and the Islands

About the role

Join a dedicated team committed to advancing animal welfare and global conservation. This role provides expert care for a diverse range of species including marsupials, reptiles, birds, and aquatic life, while supporting the mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for animals within assigned team and all other animals in the region.
• Test water quality and monitor life support systems and exhibit and grounds maintenance.
• Perform animal care duties such as food preparation, feeding, monitoring diets, watering, bathing, enrichment, water changes, observing medical and behavioral changes, and behavioral stimulation.
• Assist with medical treatment as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarians.
• Participate in training and operant conditioning programs and follow standardized reporting mechanisms.
• Maintain daily and monthly records on animals.
• Provide input to the Assistant Curator on all aspects of assigned areas.
• Clean and maintain animal exhibit areas, perform basic horticulture work, disinfect animal enclosures, and perform minor maintenance, water quality testing, water changes, and filter maintenance.
• Provide educational information about the region’s animal population through activities such as interacting with the public, conducting keeper talks, staffing interpreter stations, conducting tours and workshops, attending docent meetings, composing articles for zoo publications, and conducting volunteer trainings.
• Support the safety of self, animals, co-workers, and visitors by observing safety guidelines when working with animals, equipment, and vehicles.
• May provide leadership to seasonal employees, interns, volunteers, and zooschool students.
• Attend departmental meetings and participate in developmental seminars and workshops as required.
• Establish and maintain contacts with other zookeepers outside of the Columbus Zoo, field researchers, and other specialists.
• Implement sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal science, biology, or relevant field required.
• Four years of relevant zookeeping experience may be substituted for a degree.
• Experience in zookeeping (6 months to one year), or approved equivalent required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing is required.
• Ability to develop and deliver informational presentations to small, medium, or large groups required.
• S.C.U.B.A. certification required (if assigned duties include diving).
• Ability to pass the Dive Program's annual swim test and physical exam is required if assigned diving duties.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
• Possession of a valid state issued motor vehicle operator’s license, and a good driving record required, as well as ability to operate standard shift vehicles required.
• Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo Family of Park’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.

Qualifications

• Minimum six months’ animal husbandry experience working with primates, reptiles, carnivores, herbivores, and birds preferred.
• Experience in the maintenance of aquariums, aquatic life support systems, and use of water quality testing equipment preferred.

Skills

• Ability to perform strenuous physical work required.

Benefits

Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A