Zookeeper

Chehaw Park & Zoo is looking for a motivated professional to join our animal husbandry team. We are committed to ensuring high standards of animal care and positive guest experience. The ideal candidate will have a solid working knowledge of zoo and aquarium safety and animal husbandry best practices.

This role requires a dedicated person who can maintain aesthetically pleasing terrestrial habitats that promote positive animal welfare for a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Team work will be essential to complete large projects and effectively care for the collection as a whole.

BASIC JOB DUTIES

• Attend to assigned animals; prepare diets, feed, and provide water; sanitize enclosure furniture/floors and food/water dishes as scheduled or necessary; perform approved enrichment and training activities; assist in the capture and restraint of animals
• Inspect animals for health problems; collect fecal samples for testing; condition/train animals for veterinary procedures; assist veterinarians with medical exams and procedures, including surgery and necropsy; administer medications to animals
• Record relevant information in facility’s recordkeeping database, including animal observations, health concerns and treatments, acquisitions/births, dispositions/deaths, etc.; objectively complete animal welfare assessments, as assigned
• Perform routine repairs and maintenance on exhibits/enclosures as needed; construct improvements, furnishings, and decorations for exhibits; may replace substrate, control weeds, and collect browse
• Assist in planning and conducting educational and interactive guest programs; engage the public to encourage curiosity and facilitate a positive experience
• Support institution’s Vision, Mission, and Value statements; maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of fellow staff, volunteers, and guests

education AND PRE-REQUISITES

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous animal husbandry experience preferred
• Adequate knowledge about exotic animal husbandry and captive management; ability to build upon this knowledge and to adapt as necessary to animal collection changes
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to/from work
• Basic computer skills
• Must be able to lift 60 pounds and work outdoors in all weather conditions on a daily basis; must be able to tolerate strong odors, dust, hay, dander, and dampness; may be required to stand or sit for extended periods of time and/or to twist, bend, crouch, squat, climb, crawl, kneel, jump, swim, or carry objects for short distances; may be exposed to chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts, vehicles, and potentially dangerous animals
• Willingness to participate in staff vaccination program to prevent zoonotic disease transfer, scheduled as recommended by CDC; may include tetanus, TB skin test, rabies, Hepatitis A & B, Influenza; vaccinations may be provided to successful candidates
• All job offers are contingent upon acceptable background investigation and drug test results

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Full-time (40-hours per week), hourly
• Commensurate with experience, generally $22k-32k per year
• Benefits include paid-time-off; sick time; vision, dental, and health insurance; retirement plan
• Participation in staff vaccination program
• Relocation package available to eligible new hires

We are committed to providing all staff with opportunities for development and advancement, both within and outside our facilities.

The Albany Metropolitan area includes welcoming cities such as Leesburg, Putney, Sylvester, and Sasser. These cities boast cost-of-living numbers much lower than the national average and are all within easy commute of Chehaw Park & Zoo.

Leesburg: 13% lower COL, 18 minute commute
Putney: 28% lower COL, 15 minute commute
Sylvester: 26% lower COL, 28 minute commute
Sasser: 24% lower COL, 22 minute commute