Animal Caretaker - Aquatics

The OKC Zoo is seeking a dedicated Animal Caretaker to join our team and focus on the welfare of our aquatic collection. This position involves daily husbandry practices to ensure the health and well-being of our aquatic animals, as well as enhancing visitor experiences through public interactions. Join us in our mission to care for and protect wildlife and wild places while providing an unforgettable experience for our visitors at the OKC Zoo!

Employment Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay: $15.31 Hourly

Experience Required: One (1) year of paid experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) accredited facility with relevant taxa OR, an equivalent combination of education and experience, including qualifying unpaid AZA internships, to successfully perform the essential duties.

Minimum Education Requirements: High school diploma or G.E.D.

Department: Animal Management.

Direct Supervisor: Assistant Curator of Aquatics and/or Director of Animal Collections.

Supervisory Responsibility: Direct (0); Indirect (0) 

Primary Work Location: Zoo Setting both indoors and outdoors.

Certification: Valid Oklahoma driver’s license within thirty (30) days of hire and pass driver’s history check. Completion of OKC Zoo Global Academy training in the first six (6) months of employment. SCUBA certified or the ability to become certified in the first six (6) months of employment.

Other: This position is safety sensitive. It is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing.  This position works around animals susceptible to specific respiratory diseases, thus is subject to annual tuberculosis testing.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:

• Actively participate in daily animal husbandry techniques and assessments related to: food, water, cleanliness, health, animal transfers, and behavior. 

• Maintain simple and complex life support systems.

• Observe animal behavior, clean and perform maintenance in aquatic environments, including underwater.

• Observe, monitor, and report animal behavior changes and medical problems; keep detailed records of animal weight, health, enrichment, training and behavior.

• Maintain and renovate exhibits, service areas, and equipment.

• Support daily purposeful enrichment and documentation to promote, encourage, and evaluate natural and guest engaging behaviors. 

• Develop a basic understanding of and the ability to perform operant conditioning training; participate in animal training programs.  

• Assist in veterinary medical procedures; provide medication and treatment as directed by veterinary staff.

• Educate and interact with guests in both formal and informal settings; provide positive guest experiences. 

• Collaborate with other zoo departments.

• Participate in and respond to safety-related issues and drills.

• Participate in collaborative efforts to research natural behaviors and life histories of the animals in the area; research both current species and new species, as assigned.

• Work effectively in a team environment, including volunteers.

• Plan and organize work projects for the areas assigned; acquire supplies and materials.

• Participate in animal transfers, both off and on site.

• Participate in conservation activities that support the zoo’s mission.

• Support OKC Zoo’s strategic management plans and institutional goals.

• Drive around the Oklahoma City area throughout all seasons of the year. 

About Us

Oklahoma City is one of the fastest-growing metros in the United States and is the 20th largest city in the nation. For nearly two decades our residents have continually invested in our community to make it a place people can find belonging, visit and call home. Our employees are at the heart of those investments–delivering essential services our residents expect and creating a strong and thriving city for all people.

About the Team

The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden connects people with our world’s vanishing wildlife and wild places to inspire conservation action. We’re  seeking candidates who are passionate about the planet and all that inhabit it. Join our team of hardworking experts and get ready for a career that you’re wild about! To learn more about the Oklahoma City Zoo and our conservation efforts, please visit www.okczoo.org.