Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking a general Zookeeper. The candidate must have
a bachelor’s degree in biological science, animal, or zoology, plus two years of paid
animal care experience at an AZA accredited facility, or an Associate’s degree with three
years paid experience at an AZA accredited facility.
The Society is 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. We provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all
ages. Reid Park Zoo is the largest attended cultural attraction in Southern Arizona, with
approximately 500,000 visitors annually. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as
Reid Park Zoo implements an exciting master plan that will be investing over $60M in
new exhibits over the next ten years.
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.
Overview: The successful candidate will be hard-working, detail-oriented, and committed to
progressive animal care and welfare and maintaining a positive culture of
openness, trust, and respect. Animal care includes behavioral observations,
positive reinforcement training, enrichment, cleaning, and engaging with the
welfare committee and the supervisory and vet teams to ensure excellent animal
welfare. The Keeper will be responsible for daily record keeping, including daily
reports, medication logs, welfare tracking, enrichment records, animal training
records, and area notes. The Keeper will work in various animal areas with
multiple taxa.
Reports To: Animal Care Supervisor
Animal Care:
Species in Area: This position will be responsible for the care of multiple species
spanning a variety of taxa including: Capybara, goats, ruffed lemurs, Southern
screamers, rheas, Abdim’s storks, both Aldabra and Galapagos tortoises and an
American alligator.
Experience working with avian species, particularly in mixed species aviaries, is
desirable. A successful candidate would be cross trained in our Bird area and be
responsible for the care of our flamingo flock, as well as over 50 different avian species,
many of them housed in mixed species walkthrough aviaries.
Essential Job Duties:
● Daily cleaning is associated with animal night houses, habitats, and visitor
viewing areas.
● Husbandry care for the animals in the area (feeding, medicating, training,
enriching, and care specific to the species).
Other Job Duties:
● Completes reports including but not limited to daily animal reports, enrichment
logs, water quality logs, training logs, medication logs, animal incident reports,
etc.
● Develops & implements enrichment activities for animals following AZA
guidelines and per department practices and protocols.
● Trains utilizing positive reinforcement to aid in animal management & promote
visitor education.
● Monitors animal welfare and reports concerns to supervisor.
● Follows all animal care protocols and policies.
● Assist in the training of new staff and mentoring volunteers.
● Completes all training as required.
● Variable shift work is possible.
Communication:
● Participates in formal presentations, e.g., Keeper talks, special events,
behind-the-scenes tours, etc.
● Answers visitor questions concerning animals, conservation, zoo operations, etc.
Health & Safety:
● Assists in the capture and/or physical/ chemical restraint & transportation of
animals.
● Participates in emergency drills.
● Willing to maintain proficiency with darting equipment & firearms if selected for
the safety team. Willingness to serve on the safety team.
● Responds to animal emergencies following approved protocols.
● Stays current on required vaccinations.
Administrative Functions:
● Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies, such as completing expense
reports and purchasing or cash handling procedures.
● Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties.
● Complete all animal records in a variety of software programs, including Animal
Care Software, ZIMS, etc.
Other Duties as Assigned
Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:
● Bachelor’s degree in biological science, animal or zoology related plus two years of
paid experience at an AZA-accredited facility OR Associate’s degree with three years
paid animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility.
● COVID booster acquired after September 2022.
● Willing to undertake an annual TB skin test (AZA requirement).
● Valid driver's license.
● Regular physical attendance at work.
● Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
● Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for exotic &
dangerous animals in a zoological institution.
● Demonstrated critical analysis, customer service, problem-solving, conflict resolution,
decision making, leadership, team building, time management, and motivational
skills.
● Demonstrated ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate and resolve
conflicts, maintain confidentiality, and respect and observe organizational protocol.
● Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all
levels of RPZS and coworkers, as well as diverse volunteers, guests, donors,
community partners, vendors, and others.
● Able to work a flexible work schedule and adjust as required. Weekend, special
events, and some holiday work are required.
Physical Demands:
● Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
● Bend, stoop, kneel, reach.
● Stand for long periods.
● Repetitious motion with hands. Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools.
● Please note that this document is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a
reasonable idea of what might be required.
THE HIRING RANGE FOR THIS NON-EXEMPT POSITION IS $17.67 - $20.69 DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park
Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified
applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue
hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects
of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed,
please contact the Human Resources Dept.
JOB CODE: 9102ZK
