Keeper II - Relief

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The Phoenix Zoo is the only zoo in the Valley accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a non-profit zoological park, serving nearly 1.4 million guests annually. Home to more than 3,000 animals, many of which are endangered or threatened species, the Zoo is also committed to supporting wildlife and habitat conservation in the region and across the globe.

Department
:
Living Collections

Supervisor
:
Collection Manager of assigned area

FLSA Status: Full Time, Regular, Non-exempt

Application Submission Deadline: 02/12/2026

General Statement:

The Relief Keeper routinely rotates among all the Living Collection areas. The rotation areas might include any of the following:
Nutrition Services, Equine/Farm, Hoofstock, Primates, Carnivores, Birds and Ectotherms. The Keeper in this position is responsible for the safety, health and well-being of all assigned animals, through the performance of documented husbandry practices. In addition to animal care duties, this position will engage and interact with guests in support of designated public experiences, as well as actively collaborate in the development and presentation of guest experiences that support the Phoenix Zoo’s mission.

Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.

Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures; observe and report any health or behavioral abnormalities of all assigned animal specimens to immediate supervisor on a daily basis; assist veterinary staff in carrying out health monitoring and assessment; perform Standard Operating Procedures associated with specialty areas or programs (e.g., venomous animal and large reptiles handling);

support captive reproduction program functions as assigned.

Perform assigned and approved behavioral enrichment activities and animal training procedures of assigned specimens in a timely manner and consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures.

Perform routine maintenance of facilities by maintaining and reporting any structural or mechanical problems; interact with maintenance staff as needed.

Stay up-to-date on current protocols in all trained areas of assignment as well as routine changes as needed; assist in the training of new staff in assigned SOPs.

Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols.

Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions/breeding, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.

Monitor the public ensuring the safety of guests and animals.

Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to support designated public experiences and other communication activities that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events.

Initiate engagement and interaction with guests in support of the Zoo’s mission by developing and conducting interactive animal programs.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.

High school diploma required.

Minimum 2 years paid experience relevant to animal husbandry in an AZA accredited institution or related facility.

Behavioral enrichment and operant…