Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zookeeper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry and enclosure maintenance. This position is ideal for a candidate that has working experience, being responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations.
Our Mission:
- Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision:
- Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities.
- Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.
- Maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi-aquatic animal species.
- Maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics and provide a comfortable environment for animals; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures.
- In conjunction with the Zoo’s pest control officer, may assist in pest control through the use of exclusion or traps.
- Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding practices and diet sheets.
- Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
- Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the supervisor.
- Maintains daily reports, logs, research or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with Microsoft Office software applications.
Contributes to saving animals in the wild through:
- reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from four-year college or university in zoology, biology, animal husbandry or a related field.
- Three years of experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment or internships.
- Experience with basic carpentry and mechanical skills.
About Houston Zoo
- Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education!
- There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment.
- Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests.
- We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
- Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities.
- The Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
