Brandywine Zoo Animal Keeper

State of Delaware•Dover, DE

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Brandywine Zoo, managed by Delaware State Parks with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society, is seeking an Animal Keeper for this year-round position. This role involves daily cleaning, feeding, and observation of animals in a specified area, along with basic maintenance, public speaking through keeper talks, guest interactions, operant conditioning training, exhibit maintenance, basic grounds keeping, and record keeping. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors under various weather conditions, and applicants must be available to work weekends and holidays as scheduled. The position supports the zoo's mission of promoting environmental conservation and providing engaging educational experiences, as well as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' mission in animal welfare, public engagement, and species conservation. The keeper will collaborate with zookeeper, veterinary, behavioral management, and curator teams to ensure exceptional animal care and welfare. Responsibilities include observing and reporting on the medical and behavioral condition of animals, ensuring clean and safe exhibits and facilities, maintaining grounds and equipment, responding to visitor questions, educating the public, and maintaining records using online programs like Zoological Information Systems (ZIMS). The role requires responsibility, dependability, good communication skills, and a positive attitude. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Six months experience in feeding, monitoring diet, and caring for animals in an animal care facility such as a zoo, animal hospital/clinic or animal shelter.
Six months experience in recording, interpreting, and communicating observations concerning animal health and behaviors.
Knowledge of biology, natural resources, wildlife management or environmental studies.
Possession of a valid driver’s license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
Must be able to demonstrate responsibility, dependability, and good communication skills.
Maintain a positive attitude.

Responsibilities

Daily cleaning, feeding, and observation of animals in a specified area.
Basic maintenance duties.
Public speaking through keeper talks and guest interactions.
Operant conditioning training.
Exhibit maintenance.
Basic grounds keeping.
Record keeping.
Other duties required for daily operations.
Supports the Brandywine Zoo's mission of promoting environmental conservation by providing engaging educational experiences between visitors and wildlife.
Supports the overall mission of the association of Zoos and Aquariums to be a leader in animal welfare, public engagement, and the conservation of species.
Works with zookeeper, veterinary, behavioral management, and curator teams to provide exceptional levels of animal care and welfare for animal collection.
Observes the medical and behavioral condition of animals and reports conditions.
Ensures clean, safe, and maintained animal exhibits and facilities.
Ensures appropriate grounds and equipment maintenance.
Responds to visitor questions and educates visitors about the care and handling of animals.
Maintains and compiles records and reports using various online programs including Zoological Information Systems (ZIMS).