Zookeeper - Reptiles (Full Time)
About The Position
The Reptile keeper is primarily responsible for the care of animals in the Herpetarium and Dragon’s Lair exhibits. The Herpetarium consists of three small crocodilian pools, a collection of small to medium sized exhibits, a small climate-controlled amphibian section, and a dedicated venomous section. The Dragon’s Lair exhibit is comprised of three exhibit spaces for adult Komodo dragons. The ideal candidate would be proficient in all aspects of zoo animal care including husbandry, exhibit maintenance, record keeping, keeper chats, and conservation. Experience with the husbandry needs of a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, exhibit design, and handling venomous reptiles is preferred. Collection Encompasses: Species in the collection include a handful of small crocodilians (Chinese alligators, slender snout crocodile, dwarf crocodile), turtle and tortoises (spider tortoises, leaf turtles, Aldabra tortoises, mountain tortoises, Madagascan radiated tortoises, alligator snapping turtles, etc.), lizards (Komodo dragons, Tegu, crocodile monitors, crocodile lizards, green tree monitor, etc.), non-venomous snakes (reticulated pythons, Indian pythons, blood pythons, burrowing pythons, tentacled snakes etc.), venomous snakes and lizards (Mangshan vipers, King Cobra, Gaboon viper, copperhead, cottonmouth, Gila monster, etc.), and amphibians (various dart frogs, Kaup’s caecilians, milky tree frogs, etc.).
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology or a related field.
- 18 years or older.
- Clear background check.
- Clear drug screening.
- Clear TB screening.
- Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience with animal care and operant conditioning in a zoological setting.
- Previous experience handling venomous snakes.
- Proficient in all aspects of zoo animal care including husbandry, exhibit maintenance, record keeping, keeper chats, and conservation.
- Experience with the husbandry needs of a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, exhibit design, and handling venomous reptiles is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provides best available practices in daily animal care, husbandry, enrichment, and training.
- Actively observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address medical needs.
- Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section.
- Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets and maintains accurate records of assigned animals.
- Appropriately cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures/habitats according to written protocols and ensures a sanitary and safe environment.
- Performs exhibit maintenance, including concrete work and periodic updates to exhibit perching and hides.
- Exercise good judgement when making decisions that affect our collection.
- Facilitates formal and informal public presentations to engage guests and provide a positive guest experience.
- May incorporate modern behavioral husbandry techniques such as operant conditioning and environmental enrichment into animal care.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits and employee perks package
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
