Senior Zookeeper - Herpetology

City of Waco•Waco, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Waco seeks a Senior Zookeeper to join the team at the Cameron Park Zoo. This role requires experience in the husbandry of a variety of reptiles, including Galapagos tortoises, Komodo dragons, Australian geckos, and over 30 species of venomous snakes such as King cobras and mambas, as well as amphibians. Duties involve display maintenance, behavior observation, record keeping, nutrition, diet preparation, feeding techniques, and disinfection procedures. The position involves serving as a lead keeper, assisting in day-to-day operations, and playing a primary role in employee training and development. The Senior Zookeeper acts as a liaison between the team and leadership, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures while developing supervisory skills.

Requirements

Associates Degree in Zoology, Biological Sciences, or a related field
3 years of animal care work experience
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid Texas Driver's License

Nice To Haves

Experience in the husbandry of a variety of reptiles including Galapagos tortoises, Komodo dragons, Australian geckos, and over 30 species of venomous snakes including King cobras, mambas, and amphibians.

Responsibilities

Provides daily care, husbandry, nutrition, enrichment, training, and behavioral observation for assigned animals; monitors health and reports concerns.
Maintains animal exhibits and holding areas; prepares and distributes diets, supplements, and medications; maintains animal care records.
Assists with veterinary procedures and serves as a liaison between veterinary staff, leadership, and the zookeeper team.
Assists with training and mentoring new employees; provides guidance on animal handling, restraint techniques, and safety practices.
Exercises sound judgment in animal care, emergencies, and daily operations, particularly in the manager's absence.
Recommends and implements improvements to animal husbandry, diets, habitat design, enrichment, and welfare.
Presents educational programs and animal demonstrations; promotes wildlife conservation and the Zoo's mission through guest interactions and community outreach.
Follows and responds to emergency procedures and all applicable safety protocols.
Operates City vehicles to safely transport animals (locally and long distance), pick up supplies, and move equipment to and from service locations in support of daily operations.
Complies with all policies and standards.
Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
Lives the City of Waco Values.