Zookeeper

**Description**:

- The Virginia Zoological Park in Norfolk, VA is seeking to hire an enthusiastic and experienced temporary, intermittent Zookeeper. Zookeepers play an essential role in animal care, welfare and ensuring safe working environments at the zoo where we maintain many rare, endangered and potentially dangerous animals. Work involves ensuring the highest levels of animal care are provided to the zoological collection and good standards are maintained throughout the Virginia Zoological Park. The Zookeeper will also assist with the design and maintenance of exhibits, perform administrative duties, and educate the public by conducting tours, providing information, and giving presentations to school groups and other visitors. This position will primarily be trained to work in specific animal teams but may be assigned to other animal areas at the zoo as needed.

The Virginia Zoological Park is committed to saving and protecting the world's wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world.

**Departmental Starting Hourly Rate: $19.15**

**Essential Functions**:
**Essential Functions**
- Observes animals, checking for medical problems, changes in behavior, feeding habits, and overall well-being.
- Feeds animals as specified by curatorial and veterinary staff in accordance with nutritional and behavioral requirements.
- Cleans, disinfects and maintains animal exhibits, enclosures, food and water dishes, pools and other areas.
- Keeps daily records on each animal (behavioral observations, and exhibit integrity and maintenance, etc).
- Supervises interns when required.
- Conducts animal demonstrations for zoo visitors and writes educational presentations.
- Must be able to handle and assist in the restraint and capture of animals.
- Must be able to lift heavy feed and manure receptacles and walk long distances.
- Must have knowledge of behavioral characteristics and handling procedures for assigned animals.
- Must have knowledge of animal restraint apparatus such as ropes, squeeze cages, catch poles, shifts, nets etc.
- Must be able to use tools and operate small equipment.
- Requires normal hearing and seeing capabilities and the ability to stand, bend, lift, stoop, push and pull.
- Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and work in a team environment.
- Must work in a friendly and professional manner with staff, volunteers, colleagues and zoo visitors.

**Education/Experience**:
Academic courses or areas of concentration required to perform the required job duties:

- Completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or an associate degree specifically in zoo keeping from a college program specializing in zoo keeping and wildlife management.

A minimum of three months working in an AZA accredited institution as a zookeeper, paid zookeeper intern, or similar position.

**Additional Information & Requirements**:
**Work hours**:Working a flexible schedule, which can vary. Working weekends and holidays may be required.

**Work location**: Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby Street, Norfolk 23504