The North Carolina Zoo is growing, and it is an exciting time to join the team! The NC Zoo is seeking to hire multiple, talented and enthusiastic team members to join our Animal Section. We are looking to fill Zookeeper positions in 6 different areas. In addition to a rewarding work environment, Zookeepers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of conservation initiatives, involvement in Zoo committees, and other professional development opportunities. The Zoo is centrally located on a beautiful 500+ acre site in the heart of the North Carolina Piedmont plateau region and the Uwharrie Mountains. Multiple hiking trails are located on property with quick access to the Piedmont Triad cities, Appalachian Mountains, and coastal towns providing the opportunity for a positive, work-life balance.
Areas include:
- Asia mammals - New Asia development encompassing Malayan tiger, Asian small-clawed otter, white-cheeked gibbon, and warty pigs
- Asia herps - New Asia development encompassing variety of reptiles/amphibians species including Chinese giant salamander, Komodo dragon and King Cobra
- Avian propagation - Includes off display avian propagation areas and new Asia development avian habitats
- Cypress Swamp - Collection of North American reptiles, amphibians, and mammals including participation in Eastern Indigo SAFE and amphibian head starting and propagation/release conservation programs
- Desert - Desert dome building encompassing a wide diversity of reptiles/amphibians, birds, and mammal species
- ZOG - Approximately 1+ acre habitat with zebra, ostrich, and giraffe as well as a red river hog habitat
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Provide daily care of animal collection, maintenance of animal habitats and holding areas.
- Conduct systematic observation and monitoring of animal health, behavior and welfare.
- Interact with zoo guests in formal and informal setting.
- Work as a team to develop and implement holistic behavioral management program which utilizes positive reinforcement training, behavior-based enrichment variability, and utilizing research to provide a dynamic environment for optimal animal welfare.
- Ensure thorough and accurate animal records are maintained
- Be an active, productive member of the team to ensure highest quality of animal care and welfare, problem solve issues and engage in decision making processes.
- May be assigned to work with other animal species in other work units as needed.
Position/Physical Requirements:
- Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider.
- Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program due to potential exposure to zoonosis.
- Must be able to work a rotating schedule that involves working weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts.
- Position is considered "Essential/Mandatory Staff" requiring work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
- Must be able to capture, handle and restrain live exotic and potentially dangerous animals and use associated capture equipment.
- Must have the ability to perform strenuous physical work with alertness to surroundings in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments with or without a reasonable accommodation.
- Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation.
- Must have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid US driver's license to drive a state vehicle.
Experience Required
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies:
- To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form.
- Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.
- Qualified candidates must have or be able to:
- Demonstrated hands-on animal care experience at an AZA accredited zoo or related facility Demonstrated experience using safe practices and protocols around a variety animals gained from working at an AZA accredited zoo or related facility.
- Demonstrated experience with record keeping and comfortability utilizing computers.
- Proven communication skills to include guest interactions, public speaking, reporting and or team interactions.
Management Preferences:
- Experience with a variety of hooved animals, reptiles/amphibians, avian species, large cat and/or other mammals gained from working at an AZA accredited zoo or related facility
- Experience with positive reinforcement based operant conditioning and environmental enrichment Keen observation skills to discern and interpret subtle changes in health, condition and behavior of animals, and to monitor breeding activity.
- Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.”
- If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.
- See of oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details. Bachelor s degree in biology ,zoology, natural sciences, OR related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution AND one year of experience working in a zoo-based or related animal care facility; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Perks
- https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits
Salary
- Recruitment Range: $32,639 - $44,800
