No, really – it is! Reid Park Zoological Society seeks a seasoned, experienced carnivore-primate keeper to join our dynamic, diverse team of animal care professionals. More than a job, it’s a purpose! We are a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create inspiring memories for all by connecting people and animals to ensure the protection of wild animals and wild places. With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is the co-leader of the Flamingo and Songbird SAFE programs, to name a few recognitions.
- Your ‘office’ is nestled within a lush, garden and parklike setting.
- Reid Park Zoo is located in midtown Tucson, Arizona, the heartbeat of “The Old Pueblo”.
- Reid Park Zoo is an oasis in the desert, filled with mature landscape, large trees, an abundance of shade, and many native varieties of flora and fauna.
- The zoo is adjacent to a city golf course and park, both of the same name.
- Our city boasts stunning high-desert valley vistas surrounded by four mountain ranges offering a year-round paradise for cyclists, hikers, bird-watchers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Named the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States, for its outstanding culinary heritage, sustainable food practices, and creative food culture.
- The City is a delight for foodies.
- Explore our thriving and cultural experiences, historic sites, and (yes!) wine country just thirty minutes away.
- With the University of Arizona, its championship sports, top-notch medical facilities, and affordable housing, Tucson is a great place to bring the family and put down roots – a big city, yet with a comfortable, small-town feel.
- With 600,000 visits annually, the Zoo is in the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Associate’s degree in a biological science, animal or zoology and three year’s paid exotic dangerous animal care.
- Preferred Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in biological science, animal or zoology strongly preferred, with one-year minimum experience.
- Paid AZA experience strongly preferred.
- Pay Range: $17.67 to $20.69 based on experience and education
Benefits:
- This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time; retirement plan; zoo membership; employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.
- No phone calls or visits please.
- This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
- We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.
Why is this role exciting?
- Join a mission-driven team that is dedicated to high standards in animal care, welfare, and conservation
- Contribute to the opening of new habitats with the zoo’s 2026 Asia expansion, to include Malayan tigers and lar gibbons
- Play a key role in the development of the new Malayan tiger breeding program while working alongside a passionate and collaborative team
- You are: dependable, reliable, detail-oriented, committed to animal well-being, and have a passion for wild animals and wild places!
The Job is:
- Overseeing the care of dangerous and non-dangerous animals and their habitats.
- The Keeper will provide high-quality husbandry, training, enrichment and behavioral monitoring, while ensuring outstanding welfare opportunities.
- This role includes daily cleaning and maintenance of habitats, night houses, and guest areas, professional and accurate record keeping, and active participation in animal welfare initiatives developed in coordination with the well-being and vet teams.
- The Keeper may work in a variety of animal areas to include all routines for the team with potential to cross train within the Animal Care Department.
- Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for wild animals in a zoo setting.
Reports To:
- Animal Care Supervisor
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Animal Care
- Provide daily husbandry care that meets AZA, USDA, and departmental standards: feeding, medicating, cleaning, training, enriching, and behavioral observations.
- Care for species including lions, jaguar, grizzly bear, African painted dogs, Andean bears, anteaters, tapirs, squirrel monkeys, sloth, blue duiker, and ring-tailed lemurs
- Support the zoo’s Asia expansion (opening 2026) by assisting with the opening of new habitats for breeding Malayan tigers and lar gibbons. As the zoo continues to expand, species may change over time.
- Follow all animal care protocols, including protected contact management and 2 keeper, 2 key procedures for dangerous carnivores (2 key, 2 lock system and lock out tag out)
- Professionally and accurately completes all reports: daily logs, enrichment records, training logs, welfare tracking, incident reports, and medication logs.
- Monitor animal welfare, report concerns to the supervisor, and advocate for improvement through observation, data, and collaboration
- Assist in the training and mentoring of new staff, students, and volunteers
- Be able to perform those tasks that are essential to the job, with or without reasonable accommodation
Communication
- Participates in formal presentations and engages guests in conservation education e.g. Keeper talks, special events, behind-the-scenes tours etc.
- Answers visitor questions concerning animals, conservation, zoo operations, etc.
- Collaborate with vet staff, animal well-being team, and AZA groups (SSPs/TAGs) to advance animal welfare and conservation goals
- Maintain positive, constructive working relationships with team members and other departments
Health & Safety
- Participates in emergency drills, including but not limited to dangerous animal escape, fire, medical or weather emergencies
- Completes all trainings as required, including but not limited to job specific training, safety, zoonotic disease, blood borne pathogens, animal enrichment, animal training, conservation, Species Survival Plan, active shooter, DEAI, radio protocol, CPR, First Aid, hand tool usage and heavy equipment operation such as skid steer/ fork lift truck
- Assists in animal capture, restraint, and transport as needed
- Willing to maintain proficiency with darting equipment & firearms if you choose to try out for Safety Team and are subsequently selected
- Optionally serve on zoo-wide committees and teams
Administrative Functions
- Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures as required
- Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
- Complete all required records accurately and on time in a variety of software programs including Zoo Monitor, ZIMS, Google suite, etc.
- Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
- Associate’s degree in biological science, animal, or zoology and three year’s paid exotic dangerous animal care
- A valid, current, unrestricted driver license
- Successfully complete pre-hire background check and drug screen (we do not test for THC)
- Most recent Covid-19 Booster (2025 forward)
- Proof of negative TB test within immediate past 12 months, OR, complete a pre-hire TB test (company paid) to be renewed annually
- Proof of MMR vaccine OR pre-hire MMR vaccine (no renewal needed)
- Completes all training as required
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships, across the organization, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors and the public
- Provide excellent customer and guest service
- Driven, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, act or change direction as needed
- Reliable physical attendance for all scheduled work shifts
- Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for exotic & dangerous animals in a zoological institution
- Must be able to work a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends
Physical Requirements
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds often
- Bend, stoop, kneel, reach frequently
- Stand and walk for long periods of time
- Repetitious motions with hands
- Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
- Must be able to work outside in either cold or hot weather conditions the majority of the time
- Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree in biological science, animal or zoology related plus one year paid exotic dangerous animal care experience strongly preferred
- Additional years of paid experience within an AZA accredited facility strongly preferred
- Bilingual (Spanish or ASL)
Experience Required
- Associate’s degree in biological science, animal, or zoology and three year’s paid exotic dangerous animal care
Perks
- This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time; retirement plan; zoo membership; employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.
Salary
- $17.67 ‒ $20.69 Hourly
