Animal Wellness Campus Zookeeper I

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City of Norfolk Virginia Zoo

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is a 53 acre accredited zoological park dedicated to exceptional animal care, conservation, and community education. Home to more than 700 animals from around the world, the Zoo features immersive habitats, innovative animal health practices, and impactful conservation programs. As a growing, mission driven organization, the Virginia Zoo offers a collaborative environment where employees directly support animal welfare and meaningful guest experiences.

Animal Wellness Campus Zookeeper I

The Virginia Zoo is seeking an Animal Health Keeper to join our expanding animal health team. The growing department includes a Senior Director of Animal Health, two associate veterinarians, an office manager/veterinary technician, two veterinary technicians, a Lead Animal Health Keeper, and two Animal Health Keepers. This position supports the department's continued expansion.

The Animal Health Keeper is primarily responsible for daily commissary operations, ensuring accurate and timely preparation and delivery of animal diets. The role also includes providing husbandry care for animals in the hospital or quarantine areas and assisting the veterinary team during animal procedures.

This position offers an opportunity to support the nutrition, care, and welfare of a diverse animal collection within a collaborative, progressive animal health team.

Located just steps from the Chesapeake Bay-with kayak access outside our fence-and only 30 minutes from the oceanfront and three hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Virginia Zoo offers both a meaningful career and an excellent quality of life.

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Commissary Operations

• Prepare specialized animal diets following detailed instructions and schedules.
• Chop, grind, portion, and handle food using commercial kitchen equipment.
• Deliver diets to designated animal care areas on time.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of commissary facilities, equipment, and vehicles.
• Receive, inspect, and store food and supplies in compliance with safety standards.
• Monitor and rotate stock; remove expired or spoiled products.
• Maintain accurate records of food usage, inventory, and deliveries.
• Ensure all food meets established quality and safety standards.
• Follow USDA, AZA, HACCP, and Virginia Zoo procedures for food safety and biosecurity.
• Operate equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks.

Animal Care and Husbandry

• Provide husbandry care for animals in hospital or quarantine, following established SOPs.
• Observe animals and document changes in behavior, diet, health, reproductive status, or body condition.
• Feed animals according to nutritional and behavioral requirements set by curatorial and veterinary staff.
• Administer medications as directed.
• Assist with the capture, crating, and transport of animals as needed.
• Provide approved environmental enrichment.
• Clean and maintain animal enclosures, food and water containers, pools, and related areas.
• Demonstrate knowledge of behavioral characteristics and safe handling procedures for a wide variety of species.

General Responsibilities

• Ensure the health and safety of animals, staff, and the public by following all applicable standards and protocols.
• Adhere to all departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Experience Required

Education/Experience: • High school diploma or GED required. • Associate''s or Bachelor's degree or coursework in animal science, biology, food service, or a related field preferred. • Experience in animal care, food preparation, warehouse operations, or a related field preferred. Licenses: • Valid driver''s license required. • Forklift certification preferred (or must be obtained). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Understanding of animal nutrition and diet preparation. • Ability to follow detailed diet instructions accurately. • Strong organizational and time management skills. • Knowledge of food safety and storage procedures. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively. • Proficiency with basic computer software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, inventory systems). • Physical ability to lift/move items up to 50 lbs regularly. • Availability to work weekends, holidays, and early hours.

Further Comments

Work Environment • Exposure to varying temperatures, including refrigerated areas and outdoor conditions. • May involve working in dusty, humid, or wet environments. • Regular handling of raw meat, fish, produce, and feed. • Physical demands include lifting, bending, pushing carts, and standing for extended periods.

Perks

Kind, and supportive culture; 12 days PTO per year; 17 paid holidays per year; health insurance; dental insurance; close to the beach.

Salary

Hiring Salary Range $44,094 - $50,599

How to Apply

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/norfolk/jobs/5359624/animal-wellness-campus-zookeeper-i?keywords=zookeeper%20&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

City of Norfolk Virginia Zoo

3500 Granby St

Norfolk, VA 23504

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