Animal Keeper (East Team)

Responsible for providing direct animal care within assigned areas of the zoo. Primate, Ape, Hoof stock and/or Carnivore experience preferred.

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE

As our new Animal Keeper, we know you will be successful in this role because you are a:

• Conservation Educator: You enjoy educating the public about wildlife to inspire empathy and conservation.

• Training Guru: You enjoy interacting with and training different wildlife, and it brings you satisfaction when an animal responds the way you hoped.

• Animal Behavioral Specialist: You embrace working with a variety of taxa and species of animals and continue to grow and share your learnings with others.

• Caretaker: You enjoy animal husbandry and making sure animals are living healthy and happy lives.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, prepare, and conduct public presentations on animal care and conservation.

• Assess animals daily to ensure they are properly cared for and secured.

• Observe animal behavior, report abnormal behavior patterns and provide technical advice to colleagues and managers.

• Prepare food for and feed assigned animals according to approved diet plans.

• Clean and disinfect assigned animal and exhibit areas.

• Follow treatment plans and preventive health programs as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarian or Zoo Curators.

• Participate in the capture and restraint of animals.

• Implement animal care procedures and policies, including record keeping.

• Support special animal care activities such as physical examinations, exhibit repairs and modifications.

• Assist in development and implementation of behavioral husbandry program.

• Participate in exhibit design process and implementation.

• Represent the Woodland Park Zoo to the media.

• Conduct behind-the-scenes tours.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences field from an accredited four-year college or university; and two (2) years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience requires.

• Prefer at least two (2) years of experience in a paid zoo animal keeping experience at an AZA facility.

• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff including:

• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents

• 11 paid holidays and 2 personal holidays 

• Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick your first year

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

• Tuition reimbursement 

• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days 

• 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks  

• Free staff parking 

• 403(b) Retirement Plan 

SELECTION PROCESS

Application: Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.

Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant successfully complete a: driving record review, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment tuberculosis test.