Zookeeper I, Wildlife Connections

Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zookeeper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry and maintenance of the animals and their enclosures.  This role exercises the highest standards of animal welfare, conservation, guest engagement, and scientific research in alignment with the zoo’s mission.

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, holding areas, service areas and equipment. 
• 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 Zoo Supervisor. 
• Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research, or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with TRACKS and Microsoft Office software applications. 
• Understands and applies a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under his/her care. 
• Understands and applies the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under his/her care.
• Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.
• As appropriate, maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi-aquatic animal species.
• As appropriate, maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics; 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.
• Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the Zoo Supervisor.
• Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the Zoo Supervisor.
• May assist with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA, or other industry activities as directed/approve by the Zoo Supervisor or Curator; provides support for zoo projects.

• Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.
• May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Demonstrates proficiency in all duties and all assigned work areas within a specified timeframe.
• Assists with training, mentoring, and may oversee and direct activities of teenage volunteers, Zoo Crew.
• May assist Zoo Supervisors in the oversight of team projects.
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the roles AZA zoos play in conservation and saving animals in the wild.
• Actively pursues feedback and other resources to develop leadership skills.
• 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. 
• Experience and education may be considered equivalent at the rate of six months of experience per 15 hours of college level credit, up to 60 hours. 
• A certificate of completion from an acceptable animal care program may be substituted for a Bachelor’s degree. 
• 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. 
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license. 

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO

The 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. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer