ZooKeeper (Seasonal)
About The Position
Milwaukee County Zoo is hiring a seasonal Zookeeper for Birds. The role maintains and enhances the welfare of zoo animals in accordance with Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) advanced standards for professional animal care. The Zookeeper provides daily care for animals, their enclosures, surroundings, and support facilities; documents assigned areas and animals; engages and educates the public; and contributes to animal conservation and research. The role requires a foundation in animal husbandry and training, along with a commitment to positive, collaborative team relationships. The position is seasonal and pays $16.87 to $25.31 per hour. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The successful appointee must establish Wisconsin residency within six months of starting. The employer conducts pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks, and physicals subject to job requirements.
Requirements
- Be authorized to work in the United States.
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Have less than one year of experience in an animal-care internship or other work experience at an AZA-accredited or comparable professional setting.
- Have basic knowledge of related computer and software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
- Obtain basic knowledge of Zoological Information Management Systems (ZIMS) within six months of hire.
- Be able to lift and carry up to 75 pounds and push or pull up to 25 pounds.
- If assigned as a night Keeper, hold an active United States driver's license and maintain it throughout employment.
- Establish Wisconsin state residency within six months of starting.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biology, Education, Veterinary Medicine, Psychology, Conservation, or a related field.
Responsibilities
- Provide daily care to maintain and enhance the welfare of zoo animals.
- Prepare and present approved animal diets.
- Observe, evaluate, record, and report animal activities, behavior, and physical condition, considering patterns and natural history.
- Maintain the tidiness, hygiene, and upkeep of animal enclosures, service areas, and surroundings.
- Collaborate with veterinary teams to promote animal health and nutrition, assist with medical procedures, and administer approved medications and treatments under supervision.
- Assist with animal training and enrichment programs aligned with established species behavior and wellbeing targets.
- Operate and maintain animal life-support systems and environmental controls, and identify and report maintenance and pest-control needs.
- Maintain daily records, including feeding habits, diets, breeding behavior, health status, physical conditions, enrichment, and training, in the Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS).
- Engage proactively with volunteers and visitors and conduct formal and informal presentations about animal care, natural history, conservation, and research.
- Maintain positive, collaborative relationships with maintenance, grounds, creative, and other zoo departments.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Competitive benefit package.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
