Zoologist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Knowledge of animal care and basic husbandry skills.
• At least one year of exotic-animal-care experience at an AZA-accredited facility is preferred; primate experience is ideal.
• Be a flexible, efficient, self-motivated team player who is solution-oriented and able to find creative solutions to complex challenges.
• Basic knowledge of research techniques and practices and solid observation skills.
• Ability to practice, or willingness to learn, safe capture and restraint methods for a variety of taxa, potentially including dangerous species.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, employees, interns, volunteers, and zoo guests.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including following instructions and appropriately documenting animal-care activities.
• Ability to represent the Zoo professionally.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and take appropriate action in emergency situations.
• Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above the head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders, and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work holidays and weekends, as well as regular and irregular hours as required.
• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Ability to work actively outdoors in hot or inclement weather.
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, a background check, and a TB test.
• Valid driver’s license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related science field.
• At least one year of exotic-animal-care experience at an AZA-accredited facility, ideally with primates.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for assigned animals and exhibits in accordance with AZA, USDA, and DZM standards, supporting animal health, safety, and welfare as well as staff and public safety.
• Observe and monitor animal health and behavior and report abnormalities to management or veterinary staff.
• Prepare and provide food, water, and medication as instructed.
• Clean exhibits, holding pens, food-preparation areas, and equipment; conduct pest-control activities and report mechanical defects that could pose a risk.
• Provide environmental enrichment and training sessions using operant conditioning, as applicable.
• Participate in or assist with capture and restraint of a variety of taxa, including potentially dangerous species.
• Prepare and update animal records, reports, and surveys, and assist with research projects as needed.
• Perform general exhibit maintenance and repairs, including painting, repairing fences and shelters, addressing erosion, planting ground cover, and removing weeds.
• Assist with animal transfers and procedures as directed.
• Work positively and professionally with animal-care and veterinary staff and volunteers.
• Engage zoo guests through educational presentations about animals, biology, conservation, and environmental issues.
• Develop enrichment ideas using the enrichment item/device proposal form and record the results after each use.
• Collaborate with zoo personnel on the zoo’s mission, including media events, special tours, and public-relations projects.
• Participate in and support zoo-wide initiatives, committees, and work groups.
• Understand and support Dallas Zoo’s Strategic and Master Plans and departmental collection plans.
• Study assigned reference materials concerning animal care, behavior, and natural history.
• Follow safety protocols, understand the animal keeper’s role in emergency procedures, and respond to emergencies as required.