Zookeeper-Farm/Americas at the Virginia Zoo

Virginia Zoo currently has a vacancy for a full-time Zookeeper with the Farm/Americas team. This position will act as an integral team member on the Farm/Americas team within the Animal Services department where they are responsible for all aspects of animal care within the corresponding section of the zoo. Based on an experienced level of animal care, the candidate will work with all animals in this section including domestic livestock (Cows, Sheep, Pigs, Alpaca, Goats), Cape Porcupine, two species of Armadillo, Cavy, Saki Monkey, Two-Toed Sloth, N. Tree Shrew, Bison, Wallaby, and Prevost Squirrel. 

• This position works within a smaller team comprised of an Assistant Curator/Lead Zookeeper, Zookeeper, several cross-trained Rover Zookeepers, and summer seasonals; as well as interns and animal husbandry volunteers assigned to this section.
• Responsibilities include all daily husbandry of the animals, as well as maintenance and furnishing of habitats, implementing strong enrichment and operant conditioning programs, behavioral observations and welfare assessments, record keeping, following breeding recommendations, veterinary assistance, and consistent public interactions throughout the day.
• Applicants must be able to work in a team environment, work in a variety of weather conditions, lift and carry up to 50lbs, and be on your feet for several hours on hard surfaces.
• This position is supervised by the Assistant Curator/Lead Keeper and the General Curator.

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Provides experienced husbandry care for the Farm/Americas animal collection at the Virginia Zoo. Works closely and collaboratively as a team with the Assistant Curator/Lead Zookeeper, as well as other Zookeepers assigned to the area. 
• Implements daily behavioral training and enrichment programs for the Farm/Americas animal collection. Assesses welfare and conducts behavioral observations.
• Assists veterinary staff with physical examinations and works with veterinary and animal management staff in ensuring that the animals’ health and medical needs are met.
• Ensures that exhibits and animal areas meet species-appropriate needs. Undertakes daily cleaning and maintaining of all exhibit areas, service areas and animal holding areas, utilizing various tools, instruments, and disinfectants; with the ability to do so safely and to supervise interns and volunteers to do the same. Contributes to exhibit design and modification when needed.
• Supports area administrative duties by updating daily animal records, attending meetings, and assisting with the training of interns and volunteers.
• Educates the public by conducting behind-the-scenes tours, keeper chats, providing information, and giving presentations or participating in media interviews when required.
• Diligently adheres to all safety protocols and area standard operating procedures. Follows work instructions, directions, and organizational policies clearly, effectively, and cooperatively.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Experience Required

• Experience Required Qualified candidates should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college/university program and a minimum of 1 year of professional work experience in AZA accredited facilities.
• Candidates with associate degrees will be considered. Candidates are expected to have a broad foundation of knowledge, skills, and experience with the husbandry management of zoo animals, particularly with species found in the Farm/Americas section of the Virginia Zoo.
• Applicants should have a good understanding of behavioral management and preventative health care.
• Preference will be given to candidates with specific experience with domestic livestock and small mammals.
• Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and stand for long periods of time; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• The employee must be able to regularly lift and/or or move up to 50 pounds. See posting for benefits.

Further Comments

• Additional Information & Requirements Work location:
• Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby Street, Norfolk 23504 Work hours: 40 hours a week worked over a 5-workday schedule; schedule may vary. Working weekends and holidays may be required.

Signing Bonus:

• This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus.
• The signing bonus will be paid in two (2) increments:
• $2,500 upon completion of 60 days of employment, and $2,500 upon completion of your probationary period.
• To receive the signing bonus, you must be an active employee in good standing.

Salary

• $19.82/hour