Zookeeper - Bird/Herp

Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium • Sioux Falls, SD

2d

About The Position

Zookeepers provide specialized care for the health and well-being of native and exotic animals through feeding, enclosure maintenance, behavioral observation, training, enrichment, and health care. This position works daily with a variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The role includes animal care, facility upkeep, recordkeeping, guest engagement, and supporting veterinary and animal-management staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or a related field, or an equivalent level of work experience and education as determined by the hiring authority.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Flexible, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and able to work as part of a team.
• Punctuality, reliability, and good time-management skills.
• Ability to respond to emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Ability to shoot rifles, shotguns, and capture dart guns as required or directed for the animal escape and recovery plan.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to strong odors, toxic or caustic chemicals, dust, hay, animal fur, hair and dander, wet or humid non-weather conditions, and variable outdoor weather.
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs; lift crates, animals, and/or equipment weighing up to 70 lbs.; operate mowers, weed eaters, hay elevators, motorized carts, tractors, dump trucks, and pickup trucks; handle fire hoses; operate wheelbarrows loaded up to 150 lbs.; and maneuver agilely and flexibly around animals in exhibits, corrals, and holding areas.

Nice To Haves

• Previous animal training and/or zookeeper experience.
• Experience at an AZA-accredited facility.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for animals in assigned exhibits and holding areas in compliance with AZA and USDA standards.
• Prepare and feed approved diets; monitor animals’ physical condition and behavior; and implement training and enrichment programs.
• Design and maintain appropriate animal enclosures, props, and exhibits, and use preventative husbandry techniques and proactive health care.
• Care for neonates and young animals, which may require work outside normal hours.
• Keep exhibits and holding areas clean, presentable, and aesthetically pleasing; perform general maintenance and repairs, including painting, repairing fences and shelters, erosion control, weed removal, and snow removal. Maintain cleanliness in other areas such as breakrooms and hallways.
• Observe animals for signs of illness, lethargy, injury, or dietary problems and report concerns to the Veterinarian, Area Supervisor, and/or Zoo Curator.
• Assist with routine animal examinations and administer prescribed treatments under the direction of the Veterinarian, Area Supervisor, and/or Zoo Curator.
• Establish effective working relationships with employees and communicate with the general public.
• Maintain daily reports, medical records, enrichment logs, and other required records.
• Give regular Keeper Chats, answer guest questions, and participate in behind-the-scenes tours, media events, public relations projects, and special events as needed.
• Capture, handle, and move animals for internal movement, external shipping, medical procedures, or routine care; perform basic restraint and crating or uncrating, transport animals, and operate animal squeeze cages.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Zoo Curator or Area Supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time