Animal Ambassador Lead Keeper

Description

Mission & Values

The Virginia Zoo, founded in 1901 and located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species across 53 acres of outdoor habitats, the World of Reptiles, classrooms, and guest amenities. The Zoo is committed to inspiring our community to take action to save the world’s wildlife and their ecosystems. Our vision is a world where everyone values wildlife and the environment.

We prioritize the health, safety, and wellbeing of every animal in our care. We empower our community to protect wildlife and ecosystems locally and globally. We create meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity, learning, and stewardship. We uphold ethical standards in all operations, partnerships, and interactions. We foster a welcoming environment where diverse perspectives strengthen our mission. We work together—staff, volunteers, city partners, and community to advance shared goals.

Position Summary

The Lead Keeper of Animal Ambassadors provides daily leadership and advanced animal husbandry for the Ambassador Collection. This role delivers high-quality care, supports training and wellbeing programs, and oversees day-to-day workflow for the Animal Ambassador Team. The Lead Keeper works as part of a cohesive management team and reports to the Animal Ambassador Curator.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

• Ensures exemplary daily care, husbandry, enrichment, and wellbeing of all ambassador species in accordance with institutional policies, AZA standards, USDA regulations and species-specific best practices.  
• Works with Curator, veterinary staff, animal keeper staff, animal husbandry volunteers, interns and the conservation engagement team to ensure the highest standards of animal care.
• Assists in medical procedures, routine health checks, quarantine protocols as directed and participates in vet rounds when applicable. 
• Performs administrative duties by keeping records on animal behavior and exhibit repairs, maintaining inventory, filling out paperwork and surveys, serving as the Institutional Representative for various SSP’s, conducting research when requested, preparing reports and presenting findings, and attending meetings. 
• Pursues opportunities to participate in workshops, seminars, activities and conferences aimed at continually improving job knowledge and professional development with the goal of benefitting the Animal Ambassador Team. 
• Assists the Curator with evaluations and performance reviews for Animal Ambassador Specialists, guest engagement staff, interns and volunteers.
• Assists with departmental hiring including recruitment and training of staff and interns. 
• Assists with scheduling, workflow planning, and task delegation. 
• Initiates diet change requests, new enrichment proposals, husbandry change proposals and work order requests. 
• Organizes daily and weekly operations of the team's projects and goals, including creating and maintenance of their areas’ standard operating procedures.
• Maintains excellent written and verbal communication with co-workers, managers, and veterinary staff.
• Responsible for accurate observation, evaluation and documentation of animal behaviors and the oversight of daily animal training.
• Evaluates all activities with regards to husbandry, medical, enrichment, handling and public presentations.
• Schedules daily husbandry assignments for both staff and volunteers.
• Assists with managing departmental supplies and major projects.
• Serves as point of contact in Curator’s absence and oversees maintenance/contractor work in their completion using designated procedures.
• Assists in developing and maintaining animal handling policies for non-animal care staff and oversees handling training for staff and volunteers.
• Ensures all programs adhere to safety and institutional and animal wellbeing standards. 
• Assist with collection planning, species evaluations and ambassador program expansion or modification.
• Actively participates in improving area policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure high standards of care for the collection and the safety of staff and guests.
• Demonstrates initiative towards continually improving advanced keeper duties including excellent animal care and guest interactions.
• Demonstrates the ability to meet challenges with a solution-oriented approach and encourage staff to do the same.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Associate' degree in biology or related field.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience working with zoological animals required.
• Experience in animal training using positive reinforcement techniques required.
• Knowledge of zoology and informal education required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to work with individuals and groups of all ages.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree or a 2-year associate degree from an accredited college with a dedicated zookeeping or wildlife program.
• Five years or more working as a full-time zookeeper in an AZA accredited institution.
• Experience presenting animal ambassadors to the public.
• Experience in working with interns and volunteers.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times. 
• Frequent walking, standing, reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking, and hearing. 
• Able to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. 
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and conduct

Special Requirements

· Valid driver’s license

· Ability to pass a background check

· Must participate in a health screening program

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Virginia Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to

creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration

for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual

orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

ADA Accommodation Statement

The Virginia Zoo is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with

disabilities to ensure equal access to employment opportunities and the essential functions of each

position. Applicants or employees who require accommodation may contact Human Resources to

initiate an interactive process.

Requirements

Must be able to work a schedule of Sunday - Thursday.