Zoos Hiring

Job board dedicated to the zoo industry

Zookeeper - Desert

North Carolina Zoo
Asheboro, United States Posted: December 09, 2024


The North Carolina Zoo is expanding! The NC Zoo is seeking an enthusiastic team member to be part of its Desert work unit. Animals cared for include a variety of species native to the arid and desert regions of (primarily) North America, Africa and Australia, and include reptilian (venomous & non-venomous), amphibian, mammalian, avian, invertebrate and fish species. Most of the Desert’s animal residents live within an expansive climate-controlled dome that highlights the habitats in which these species are adapted.  The diverse collection currently consists of 50+ species and approximately 250 individuals. Responsibilities include the daily assessment and care of both on-habitat and off-habitat animal areas. 

Daily duties also include:
  • Systematic observation of animal health and behavior.
  • Participation in a behavior focused program that utilizes trust-based relationships, animal choice and control, and positive reinforcement operant conditioning to work cooperatively with the Desert species to provide optimal care. 
  • Interaction with zoo guests in formal and informal settings.         
  • Development and implementation of a holistic behavioral management program which utilizes training, enrichment, variability, and research to provide a dynamic environment for optimal welfare.
  • Maintaining appropriate water quality in aquatic systems.
  • Record keeping for computer databases.
  • Actively participating in team problem solving and decision-making processes.
  • Participation in NC Zoo programs, to include behavioral management, enrichment and Environmental Management System (EMS) programs.
  • 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 reasonable accommodation.
  • Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Must have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid NC 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 list the information on the application form.
  • Any information omitted from the application form, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.
  • Qualified candidates will have:
  • Demonstrated hands-on animal care experience with a diverse number of exotic avian, mammal, and/or reptile/amphibian species at an AZA accredited zoo, sanctuary setting or related facility to include the following:
  • Positive reinforcement based operant conditioning 2. Environmental enrichment
  • Observing and understanding the complexities of animal behavior, including individual animals and larger social context · Demonstrated experience of animal husbandry to include thorough working knowledge of biology, including animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior and safe practices around dangerous animals and/or reptiles/amphibians gained from working at an AZA accredited zoo, sanctuary setting or related facility.
  • Demonstrated experience with record-keeping.
  • Demonstrated experience using computers and MS Office.
  • Proven communication skills such as visitor interactions, public speaking, reporting and/or team interactions. 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 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.
Further Comments
  • Selected candidate salary will be determined within the hiring range based on qualifications, equity, and funding at the time of hire.
Perks
  • https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits
Salary
  • Hiring range: 31,688-43,800

Be the First to Know About Similar Jobs

Your next opportunity could be an email away. Let us make your job search easier. Join our email list now.