Zookeeper III, Elephants

Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zookeeper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry of the animals and the maintenance of animal enclosures within a specified Houston Zoo animal program. This position will coordinate all program objectives in addition to day-to-day husbandry and enclosure maintenance. Members of the Aquarium and Sea Lion/Penguin team will need to be active members on the dive team to do routine maintenance and cleaning of the aquatic environments, following all dive protocols.

Our Mission:
Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision:
Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

• Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities.
• Maintains clean and organized exhibits, holding areas, service areas and equipment.
• Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding practices and diet sheets.
• Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
• Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the Zoo Supervisor.
• Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research, or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with TRACKS and Microsoft Office software applications.
• Understands and applies a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under his/her care.
• Understands and applies the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under his/her care.
• Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.
• As appropriate, maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi‑aquatic animal species.
• As appropriate, maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures.
• In conjunction with the Zoo’s pest control officer, may assist in pest control using exclusion or traps.
• Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the Zoo Supervisor.
• Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the Zoo Supervisor.
• May assist with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA, or other industry activities as directed/approve by the Zoo Supervisor or Curator; provides support for the Zoo projects.
• Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.
• May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Demonstrates proficiency in all duties and all assigned work areas within a specified timeframe.
• Serves as a point of contact for area staff, veterinarians, Facilities staff, and/or other departments in the absence of a Zoo Supervisor.
• Assists with training, mentoring, and may oversee and direct activities of interns, volunteers, and other area Keepers.
• Assists Zoo Supervisors in the oversight of team projects.
• Assists in the development and implementation of area standard operating guidelines.
• Assumes select supervisory duties in the absence of Zoo Supervisors.
• Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff.
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the roles AZA zoos play in conservation and saving animals in the wild.
• Actively pursues feedback and other resources to improve leadership skills and helps to improve such skills in other team members.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through:reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from four-year college or university in zoology, biology, animal husbandry or a related field.
• Experience and education may be considered equivalent at the rate of six months of…