How to Post Jobs
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings. How to post a job
Career Center
Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center.
John Ball Zoo
At John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation. As one of the top attractions in Grand Rapids, we welcome over 700,000 guests each year who are able to experience over 2,000 animals of over 230 species
Senior Zookeeper
The Area 2 Senior Zookeeper performs general daily animal care functions including the maintenance of live exhibits and holding facilities, animal training, diet preparation and feeding, and enrichment delivery. This position guides the team in daily operations, serves as a resource and provides training for all animal care staff, volunteers, and interns in the development of job skills related to daily animal care, and, under manager direction, liaises with other teams and departments. This position is primarily responsible for amphibians and reptiles (ex: small crocodile species, large pythons, iguanas, monitor lizards, and venomous.
This is a union position. Pay will be based on experience: $20.62 - $26.33 per hour
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SENIOR ZOOKEEPER AT JBZ
The Senior Zookeeper monitors animals in Area 2 (including amphibians, reptiles, primates, and aquatics) to ensure that they are physically and mentally healthy, uninjured, and exhibiting normal behavior. They perform advanced animal care and management, including but not limited to animal procedures, escape response, capture and restraint, transports, introductions, and training, as well as performing daily inspections of exhibits and holding areas to assess environment quality. They complete required documentation, report concerns to animal care managers, and provide guidance and assistance to teams on projects as directed by animal care leadership. They also assist with the development and writing of standard operating procedures and department policies and procedures.
Experience Required
Bachelors degree in life science or related field At least five years of experience in exotic animal care or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience in animal care At least three years of experience working with venomous animals and teaching others safe venomous handling Experience with reptile and amphibian exhibit design, including environmental parameter management, exhibit building, and water quality management Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to ensure thorough and effective communication with a broad spectrum of stakeholders include, but not limited to: team members, managers, volunteers, leadership, and guests. Experience leading a team and mentoring others preferred. Ability to develop positive professional relationships with all levels of staff and volunteers. Ability to work with potentially deadly animals (PDAs). Ability to act as the point of contact for area when managers are not present - including addressing animal/space issues (unplanned medical issues, escapes, malfunctioning/damaged infrastructure); liaising with other departments and teams as needed; making and communicating changes as needed. Experience developing and writing SOPs, department policies, and animal behavior plans preferred. Demonstrated computer competence to complete required record keeping and communication. Experience using ZIMS preferred. Dive-certified or ability to obtain dive certification Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
Perks
We offer incredibly competitive benefits. This includes FREE: Medical plan option Short-term disability Long-term disability Life Insurance Employee Assistance Program Dental & Vision for employee & family 12 Full weeks of parental leave ADDITIONAL BENEFITS We offer generous Vacation and Personal time and 11 Holidays each year. We offer a 4% match and 3% employer contribution to your 401k, zoo discounts, employee-only zoo experiences, tuition reimbursement, additional medical benefits to meet your and your family''s needs, and a FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family.
Salary
20.62 - 26.33 per hour
How to Apply
Apply online using this link: https://hcm.paycor.com/l/r/74B57C10
John Ball Zoo
1300 Fulton St W
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Visit our website
Return to All Job Posts
Edit your job posting
General Settings
Title (limited to 100 characters)
Description
Add details about the job itself here.
Experience
Comments
Salary
Category Type
Internship Job
How should a candidate apply?
Job Perks
*
Company Info
Company Name
Address
City
State
Please Select Alberta Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Arkansas British Columbia California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Manitoba Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska New Brunswick Newfoundland Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina Northwest Territories North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Nova Scotia Nunavut Ohio Oklahoma Ontario Oregon Pennsylvania Prince Edward Island Puerto Rico Quebec Rhode Island Saskatchewan South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virgin Islands Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Yukon
Zip
Company Phone
Company Fax
Company Website
Company Twitter Username
Company Facebook Page
About the Company
Company Logo/Avatar
Submitting your job posting...