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Animal Keeper – Night Hunters Team

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Cincinnati, United States Posted: April 18, 2025


Description: This is a full-time (40 hours per week with benefits) Union keeper position, which is subject to the successful completion of a probationary (or trial) period and the deduction of Union dues. Regular off-days will be determined upon hire but will fall between Tuesday thru Thursday. 

Summary:
  • This position encompasses skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures, and related facilities in Night Hunters, including Cat Canyon.
  • Night Hunters offers a diverse collection of animals including Malayan tiger, cougar, snow leopard, clouded leopard, various small carnivores, aardvark, vampire bats, and Indian flying foxes.
  • Duties may include related tasks and/or unrelated duties as assigned. 
Duties include: 
  • Clean animal displays, holding areas, service areas, public sections and grounds.
  • Complete inspection of all enclosures to ensure the safety of the animals. 
  • Identify maintenance issues and correct or repair each as required, reporting non-correctable maintenance issues, including potential safety hazards, to the Lead Keeper and/or Zoological Manager/Curator.
  • Observe general animal health and behavior, daily, and report any abnormal circumstances to a supervisor. 
  • Maintain records of health, behavior, enrichment, operant conditioning, and visitor engagement.
  • Prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures for the animal collection. 
  • Perform operant conditioning and enrichment programs in assigned areas.
  • Assist in the training, supervision, evaluation of volunteers, interns, and vocational students, as needed. 
  • Assist animal health and curatorial staff with animal handling, capture, restraint, transport, and medication administration.
  • Develop and support visitor engagement programs. 
  • Interact with the public and Zoo staff in a professional and courteous manner. 
  • Make decisions consistent with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden policies and procedures, when required.
  • Perform daily duties in all sections of assigned department, as required.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
Qualifications: 
  • Demonstration of excellent communication skills, while applying good judgment, to deliver animal care and guest experiences that meet the highest standards. 
  • Demonstration of knowledge and successful experience in animal husbandry, operant conditioning, and understanding of modern zoological practices.
  • The ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with co-workers (including staff, volunteers, interns, and vocational students)
  • Exhibiting tolerance, trustworthiness, and accountability 
  • Consistently work in a problem-solving capacity within the department (planning ahead, communicating effectively, support team initiatives).
  • Proven team player with the ability to work independently.
  • Exhibiting reliability and adaptability 
  • A degree in the biological sciences or related field. 
  • 3 years of keeper experience in an AZA institution preferred, with at least 1 year experience with carnivores. 
  • Paid experience with big cats and small carnivores preferred.
  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered***
Working Conditions:
  • While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; bend; climb or balance; lift, grasp; and negotiate stairs and ladders. 
  • In addition, the employee may be exposed to Zoonosis, chemicals, and outside weather conditions; Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance; must possess a valid driver’s license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle).   
  • We offer a comprehensive benefits package including affordable medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off (vacation, holiday and sick leave); company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes.
  • To apply for this position:
  • Qualified applicants must apply via our online application on our website at http://cincinnatizoo.org/about-us/job-opportunities/. 
  • Cover letter and resume should be included in your online application.
Perks
  • Full Benefits

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