ZOOKEEPER

ZOOKEEPER

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Zookeeper

Position Title: Zookeeper I

Job Class Code: 2057

Department: Parks & Recreation - Zoo Division

Reports To: Animal Care Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Safety Sensitive: Yes

Salary: $35,238.00 to $52,857.00

Job Summary

Under direct supervision, this position performs entry-level work in the care, feeding, cleaning, and maintenance of zoo animals and facilities. The Zookeeper I supports daily animal care operations, observes animal behavior, and assists in maintaining safe and sanitary environments for animals and the public. This position serves as the training and entry level within the animal care classification and works under close supervision or direction from experienced staff.

Typical Duties

Animal Care & Husbandry

• Prepares and distributes food and water according to established feeding schedules
• Cleans and sanitizes animal enclosures, holding areas, and feeding areas
• Assists with routine animal handling and care activities
• Observes animal behavior and health and reports concerns to supervisory staff

Facility & Habitat Maintenance

• Maintains cleanliness of enclosures, service areas, and public-facing spaces
• Assists with minor maintenance and upkeep of zoo facilities and habitats
• Removes waste, debris, and hazardous materials to maintain sanitary conditions

Safety & Animal Handling

• Follows established safety procedures when working around animals
• Uses appropriate protective equipment and handling techniques
• Maintains awareness of animal behavior and environmental hazards

Operational Support

• Assists with daily zoo operations and assigned tasks
• Supports preparation of materials and equipment for animal care activities

Customer Service & Public Interaction

• Interacts with visitors in a professional manner
• Provides general information about animals and zoo operations when appropriate

Training & Skill Development

• Participates in training related to animal care, safety, and procedures

Other Duties

• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience working with animals preferred

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid New Mexico Class D driver's license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Basic animal husbandry practices (feeding, cleaning, enclosure care)
• Safe animal handling techniques
• Sanitation and cleaning procedures
• Basic zoo safety protocols

Skills in:

• Following established care routines and procedures
• Observing and reporting animal behavior and condition
• Cleaning and maintaining enclosures and facilities
• Using basic tools and equipment

Abilities to:

• Work under supervision in a dynamic environment
• Perform physically demanding work
• Follow detailed instructions and procedures
• Recognize and report unusual animal behavior or hazards
• Work as part of a team

Physical Requirements

Work involves standing, walking, bending, lifting, and performing manual tasks. Position requires the ability to safely work around animals, handle equipment and materials, and perform physically demanding tasks associated with animal care and facility maintenance.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to animals, weather, noise, and potentially hazardous conditions. Position is safety sensitive and subject to drug testing.

Position : 1801313

Code : 20260248-1

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : ZOO

Group : FULL TIME

Job Class : ZOOKEEPER

Posting Start : 03/16/2026

Posting End : 12/31/9999

Salary: $16.95-$25.40

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