Keeper II ZU

Keeper II ZU

Salary

$21.54 Hourly

Location

517 Court Place, Louisville, KY 40202, KY

Job Type

Full_Time

Job Number

16087

Department

Zoo

Opening Date

10/30/2026

Closing Date

11/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The purpose of this position is to clean, secure and provide general care for animals in an assigned area of the Zoo.

This class works under close to general supervision according to set procedures.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Prepares and serves food and water to animals
• Reports births, deaths, injuries, and irregular behavior of animals to the supervisor
• Operates a vehicle or equipment to transport animals, or to pick up and deliver supplies and materials
• Cleans exotic animals living areas
• Reports misbehavior of guests to supervisor
• Works in confined spaces depending on assigned area
• Assists veterinarian with sick or injured animals
• Participates in hand rearing of animals
• Transfers exotic animals from one cage to another
• Answers patrons questions about the Zoo and the animal collections
• Conducts minor repairs and improvements of exhibits
• Provides and performs animal enrichment activities
• Performs related work as assigned

GLACIER RUN

• Enters pool on a daily basis using Scuba equipment to clean underwater surfaces
• Leads and participates in pinned swim with program

Minimum Requirements

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate degree with at least 12 college semester hours in: Agriculture or Biology
• One year of documented experience working directly with non-domesticated/exotic animals in an institutional setting (i.e. Zoological Park, Aquarium or Wildlife Park, or Veterinary Clinic)

OR

• High school diploma or the equivalent
• Three years of documented experience working with non-domesticated/exotic animals in an institutional setting (i.e. Zoological Park, Aquarium or Wildlife Park, or Veterinary Clinic)

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Meets regular and punctual attendance standards and any special needs of the position as determined by management, including mandatory overtime, and performing related work
• Must participate in an employee preventive health care program
• Must participate in an operant conditioning program
• Must work a varied schedule
• Must participate in public education demonstrations and educational programs
• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Lifts and carries items weighing over 50 pounds in a team setting
• Sufficient mobility, vision and hearing are needed to ensure a safe work environment

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:

• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen

• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions

• Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife

• Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors

• Traffic; Moving machinery

• Electrical shock; Heights

• Radiation; Disease/pathogens

• Works in the elements of the weather

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

Louisville Metro Government is committed to providing our employees with the tools they need to lead a fit and healthy life. Aside from community-wide initiatives like the Mayors Hike, Bike and Paddle event every Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the Healthy Hometown Movement, Metro Government provides employees with programs designed to enhance their life and well-being, like a Wellness Center that allows employees and their dependents with Metro health insurance to take care of their basic medical and health needs for a $5 co-pay. Louisville Metro Government understands that a team of healthy, vibrant employees is the greatest asset we have.

Full Time Regular

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Group Term Life
• Supplemental Life
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Holiday Pay
• Bereavement Leave
• Kentucky Public Pensions Authority
• 457 Deferred Comp
• Voluntary Lifestyle Benefits
• Tuition Assistance
• Qualified Adult Benefits
• Childcare Assistance
• Free TARC Use
• Paid Parental Leave

Part Time - 17.5 to 25 Hours Per Week

• Vacation (pro rata)
• Sick Leave (pro rata)
• Holiday Pay (pro rata)

Part Time - Less Than 17.5 Hours Per Week

• Ineligible For Benefits

Temporary Positions

• Ineligible For Benefits

Interns

• Ineligible For Benefits

01

Do you have an associates degree with at least 12 college semester hours in: Agriculture or Biology?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have one year of documented experience working directly with non-domesticated/exotic animals in an institutional setting (i.e. Zoological Park, Aquarium or Wildlife Park, or Veterinary Clinic)?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a high school diploma or the equivalent?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have three years of documented experience working with non-domesticated/exotic animals in an institutional setting (i.e. Zoological Park, Aquarium or Wildlife Park, or Veterinary Clinic)?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you able to work a varied schedule?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you possess and can you maintain a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Louisville Metro Government

Address 517 Court Place

Louisville, Kentucky, 40202

Phone (502) 574-8100

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisvilleky