Seasonal Animal Keeper – Lehigh Valley Zoo

Animal Care, Management
March 2, 2025

Job Description

Association of Zoos & Aquariums


JOB SUMMARY:

The Seasonal Animal Keeper is responsible for the daily care and welfare of animals within their area. Each member of the Lehigh Valley Zoo team plays a crucial part of helping our organization save species.
This is a 6-month termed position, working a 40-hour per week schedule. 

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



 
  • Basic knowledge of current zoo animal husbandry standards and natural history for a diverse population of animals
  • Basic knowledge of USDA and AZA standards
  • Performs all daily husbandry tasks including cleaning and diet prep
  • Must be able to learn how to evaluate and report animal behavior to Lead Keeper and Assistant Curator
  • Maintains accurate and detailed daily animal records
  • Implements and evaluates behavioral enrichment in accordance with zoo policy
  • Basic knowledge of operant conditioning
  • Maintain exhibit esthetics including routine exhibit maintenance and small repairs
  • Demonstrates knowledge of zoo-wide and area emergency procedures
  • Interacts with zoo visitors through animal presentations, scheduled and informal keeper talks and generally provide a positive guest experience
  • Works cooperatively with other zoo departments
  • Demonstrates an ability to work in a team setting with a positive attitude
  • Demonstrates initiative and motivation to learn and complete projects
  • Participate in regular Animal Care team meetings and trainings
  • Communicates department updates to the team and supervisors in a timely and professional manner
  • Other duties as assigned

Experience Required

SKILLS COMPETENCIES • Animal handling skills • Critical thinking skills to trouble shoot and reveal solutions to assist the progression of the animal care team • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently with purpose and accuracy as well in a group setting • Excellent time management with ability to multitask • Good interpersonal skills with the ability and desire to work as a team member • Able to follow written and oral direction, exercise good judgment, and apply safety precautions applicable to the work • Knowledge of and a history with operant conditioning techniques QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE • Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related field required. Advanced degree in animal sciences, biology, wildlife management or equivalent combination of training and experience • Minimum one to two years, comparable level experience in a zoo environment • Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hour assignments • Possess a valid driver’s license PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT • Physical Demands: Employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occassionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. The employee must be able to drive Zoo vehicles • Work Environment: You are often required to perform physical labor in varying weather conditions. You can be bitten, scratched, kicked, or otherwise harmed by wild animals.



Salary


$15/hour

Source ⇲

To apply, please visit the following URL:https://www.jobmonkeyjobs.com/career/26541318/Seasonal-Animal-Keeper-Lehigh-Valley-Zoo-Pennsylvania-Schnecksville-1327/→

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