Jobs and Careers

Animal Keeper (Temporary - Ambassador Team)

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 24 Jun 2025

💰 $72,000/yr($64,000/yr – $72,000/yr)

About the role

SALARY & FLSA: $32.27 per hour; FLSA non-exempt

$32.27 - $36.87. The starting rate for this role is $32.27. Every employee under the Joint Crafts Council wage scale, on first appointment, will receive the first step of the salary range for the position. Employees will advance to the second step at the start of the pay period after their one-year anniversary in the job classification and each milestone thereafter (3 years, 6 years, 11 years, and 17 years of service) with Step 6 being the maximum pay rate.

OPENING DATE: 06/23/2025
CLOSING DATE: 07/07/2025
JOB TYPE: Seasonal, Temporary
UNION: Represented
OPENINGS: 1
LOCATION: Onsite
DEPARTMENT: Animal Management

This position is an animal keeper role with a strong focus on public engagement.

This position averages 40 hours per week and is anticipated to end 12/31/2025.

This position is intended to be part of the ambassador team but may work in other areas of Animal Management

HOW DO YOU ZOO?
More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE
As our new Temporary Animal Keeper, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:

Resilient: You are a dynamic and adaptable individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Flexibility is second nature to you, and you embrace change with a positive attitude.
A people-person: You excel in a team setting, bringing energy and collaboration to every project you undertake. You strive to connect with visitors and the community to foster empathy for wildlife and inspire conservation actions.
A Training guru: You have a passion for animal training and are motivated by achieving tangible outcomes either alone or in a group setting. You're open to and offer constructive feedback, cultivating ongoing development within a versatile team.
An advocate: You enjoy animal husbandry and are proactive about providing excellent care to a variety of species.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Plan, prepare, and conduct public presentations on animal care and conservation.
Assess animals daily to ensure they are properly cared for and secured.
Observe animal behavior, report abnormal behavior patterns and provide technical advice to colleagues and managers.
Prepare food for and feed assigned animals according to approved diet plans.
Clean and disinfect assigned animal and exhibit areas.
Follow treatment plans and preventive health programs as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarian or Zoo Curators.
Participate in the capture and restraint of animals.
Implement animal care procedures and policies, including record keeping.
Support special animal care activities such as physical examinations, exhibit repairs and modifications.
Assist in development and implementation of behavioral husbandry program.
Participate in exhibit design process and implementation.
Represent the Woodland Park Zoo to the media.
Conduct behind-the-scenes tours.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor's degree in a life sciences field from an accredited four-year college or university; and two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers temporary staff the following benefits: