Zookeeper

Posted Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 6:00 AM

General Description

Under supervision of the Supervisor – Zookeeper, provide a variety of duties involved in the care and well-being of multiple animal species. The zoo’s animal collection includes mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians. Primary responsibilities include daily husbandry for animals, their exhibit and holding areas, as well as other facilities of the zoo. Employees have access to controlled substances in the performance of their job duties. Therefore, employees are required to not have any previous felony convictions related to a controlled substance.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position exercises no supervision.

Important And Essential Duties

Carry out all aspects of the daily care for assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities and maintaining a clean and organized area.

Observe animal behavior and welfare on both a day to day and long-term basis with the ability to note normal and unusual behavior, as well as perceive changes in an animal’s injury, health or appetite concerns and report to their supervisor.

Provide species appropriate and approved behavior-based enrichment for all collection animals in accordance with zoo standards and policies.

Prepare, store and distribute animal diets and foods following feeding guidelines; assist Zoo Veterinarians in evaluating dietary needs and changes of zoo animals according to established USDA and zoo policies.

Maintain required husbandry records on all daily reports, animal welfare, medical sheets, training, and enrichment logs according to established guidelines.

Properly administer prescribed medications, supplements or treatments under the Zoo Veterinarian’s guidance.

Clean and maintain the zoo commissary, food storage areas such as hay barn or supply rooms; assist with unloading supplies from delivery trucks.

Work in a professional manner with volunteers, including interns, zoo teens, and adult volunteers, and take responsibility for training and guiding them in assigned tasks.

Familiar with animal handling and restraint as necessary, proper crating and uncrating of animals, and how to use various recapture and restraint equipment.

Maintain lawn and landscaping within animal exhibits; able to safely operate lawn and maintenance equipment; assist horticulture staff with landscaping outside of animal exhibits.

Operate City vehicles, including zoo motorized vehicles (golf cart, gator) inside and outside zoo property as needed for the job.

Provide routine maintenance and assist in the construction of exhibits and facilities; request maintenance assistance in repairing damaged areas or zoo facilities through work orders.

Other Job Related Duties

Speak professionally and respectfully with members of the public to answer any questions about the zoo in general and deliver educational programs through keeper chats on collection animals. Public appearances may be requested.

Perform other duties as assigned by the zoo management team on specific departmental needs or zoo wide needs and responsibilities, work collaboratively with other zoo staff and departments.

Participate in zoo meetings, events and attend staff training sessions.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge Of

Safe driving principles and practices.

General animal care and behavior

Hazards and inherent dangers involved in working with zoo animals.

Skill To

Operate a food grinder, lawn mower, and incubator.

Safely operate a motor vehicle.

Ability To

Develop a work routine that emphasizes safety with the ability to see potential dangers to the animals, staff and public.

Understand and implement approved husbandry training for collection animals utilizing positive reinforcement in accordance with zoo standards and policies.

Learn the diet and nutritional requirements of zoo animals.

Learn to respond to an animal or public related emergency to prevent injury.

Learn to open, enter, exit, and secure animal enclosures, and service areas.

Learn to net, capture and/or restrain animals of extreme size, strength, and agility.

Learn to handle, examine, and move without harming sick, injured, and/or struggling small animals.

Follow and carry out specific oral and written instructions.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience And Training Guidelines

Experience

Entry level position, but preference may be given to individuals with experience in the care of animals.

Education/Training

An associate’s degree equivalence in an animal management or science related field is preferred.

License Or Certificate

A valid Texas driver’s license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Special Requirements

Bloodborne Pathogens training and HazCom training are required within sixty (60) days of employment.

In accordance with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), employees are required to not have any previous felony convictions related to a controlled substance.

Ability to display adequate field of vision and auditory acuity to be aware of animals or vehicles approaching from the rear.

Exposure to cold, heat, outdoors, and chemicals.

Ability to travel to different sites.

Requires the ability to work a flexible work schedule that includes nights, holidays, and weekends.

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

_X_ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

Codes For How Often

N = No

E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_E_Standing

_I_ Sitting

_E_Walking

_M_Lifting

_E_Carrying

_E_Pushing/Pulling

_M_Overhead Work

_M_Fine Dexterity

_E_Kneeling

_E_Crouching

_M_Crawling

_E_Bending

_E_Twisting

_M_Climbing

_E_Balancing

_E_Vision

_E_Hearing

_E_Talking

_M_Other: _Running/Jumping____

Job Details

Job Family Zookeeper - TE

Pay Type Hourly

Hiring Min Rate 16.76 USD

Hiring Max Rate 20.11 USD

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Zoo, 2070 Zoo Ln, Abilene, Texas, United States of America