Zookeeper I

Role overview

Under the direction of the Supervisor – Zookeeper, this role supports the day-to-day care and welfare of a diverse animal collection that includes mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. The work centers on daily husbandry, upkeep of exhibits and holding areas, and general support for zoo facilities. Because the job involves access to controlled substances, candidates must not have any prior felony conviction connected to a controlled substance.

Supervision

This position does not manage other employees.

Key duties

• Handle daily care routines for assigned animals, including feeding, cleaning, habitat upkeep, and keeping support areas neat and organized.
• Monitor animal health, behavior, and welfare over both short- and long-term periods, and report changes in appetite, injury, or general condition to a supervisor.
• Deliver approved, species-appropriate enrichment activities that follow zoo standards and policies.
• Prepare, store, and serve diets and food items in line with feeding instructions, and support veterinarians in reviewing animal nutrition needs and any required diet changes under USDA and zoo rules.
• Keep accurate husbandry documentation, including daily reports, welfare records, medical sheets, training notes, and enrichment logs.
• Administer prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments only under the Zoo Veterinarian’s direction.
• Clean and organize the commissary and food storage spaces such as hay barns and supply rooms, and help unload deliveries as needed.
• Work professionally with volunteers, including interns, zoo teens, and adult volunteers, and help train and guide them in assigned tasks.
• Use animal handling and restraint methods when required, including crating, uncrating, and operating recapture or restraint equipment.
• Maintain lawn and landscaping inside animal exhibits, operate safe maintenance equipment, and assist horticulture staff with landscaping outside exhibit areas.
• Drive City vehicles and zoo utility vehicles such as golf carts and gators on and off zoo property as needed.
• Carry out routine repairs and assist with exhibit and facility construction, and submit work requests when maintenance is needed.
• Represent the zoo professionally by answering public questions, leading keeper chats, and participating in educational programs and public appearances when requested.
• Support zoo-wide and department-specific needs, collaborate with other staff, attend meetings and events, and join training sessions.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

The role calls for an understanding of safe driving practices, basic animal care and behavior, and the risks associated with working around zoo animals. It also requires the ability to operate equipment such as a food grinder, lawn mower, and incubator, and to drive vehicles safely. The ideal candidate can build a safety-focused routine, apply positive-reinforcement husbandry methods, learn animal diet and nutrition needs, respond to animal or public emergencies, and open, secure, enter, and service enclosures safely. The position also requires the ability to net, capture, restrain, examine, and move animals of varying size and strength without causing harm, follow oral and written instructions, communicate clearly, and build cooperative working relationships across teams and with external contacts.

Experience and training

This is an entry-level role, although candidates with animal care experience may be preferred. An associate degree equivalent in animal management or a science-related field is preferred. A valid Texas driver’s license is required, or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire; a military waiver may also satisfy this requirement.

Special requirements

Bloodborne Pathogens training and HazCom training must be completed within 60 days of employment. In line with DEA, DPS, and DSHS requirements, applicants must have no prior felony conviction related to a controlled substance. The work requires sufficient vision and hearing to notice animals or vehicles approaching from behind, and it includes exposure to cold, heat, outdoor conditions, and chemicals. Travel between sites may be required. The schedule is flexible and includes nights, holidays, and weekends.

Physical demands

This position is classified as heavy work, meaning lifting up to 100 pounds and carrying up to 50 pounds. Typical physical tasks may include standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling, overhead work, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, seeing, hearing, talking, and occasional running or jumping.

Values and work style

Employees are expected to follow the City of Abilene core values: Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do. Teamwork, courtesy, and a respectful approach to coworkers are essential.