Animal Keeper; Asia Trail

Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute is hiring the position of Animal Keeper on the Asia Trail team (sloth bears, red pandas, Asian small‑clawed otters, clouded leopards and fishing cats). All applications must be submitted through the official job announcement on USAJobs and will remain open until January 27th, 2026.

Summary

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. The mission of the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is to save species by using cutting‑edge science, sharing knowledge and providing inspirational experiences for our guests.

Duties

The Animal Keeper position is located at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), at the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Washington, DC. This position may rotate between Animal Programs and the Commissary or be reassigned to one of the three animal care departments depending on animal‑care requirements.

In this position, you will:

• Provide daily care of animals in the collection ensuring the health and welfare of the animals.
• Work closely with supervisors discussing animal natural history, conservation programs, natural habitats, status of animals in the wild, care and feeding.
• Ensure proper care, feeding, exhibition and propagation of animals.
• Monitor animals for symptoms of illness, injuries or unusual conditions and report to Curator, Assistant Curator or Veterinarian.
• Weigh animals, record and report data.
• Maintain sanitary conditions of food areas and water containers.
• Clean animal enclosures by hosing, sweeping, scrubbing, raking, and removing manure and unconsumed food.
• Report insect and pest infestations of animals.

Qualifications:

In order to be rated qualified, an applicant’s overall experience and training must demonstrate possession of the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the duties of this position, such as the ability to carry out routine animal‑keeper duties; understand instructions given by higher‑level animal‑keeper personnel; complete training and development assignments; catch and handle animals by hand or by using nets without injuring the animals or endangering themselves;

identify animal species by natural markings such as color; and operate motorized vehicles/scooters on NZCBI grounds. The applicant’s resume should clearly demonstrate how experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) and other organizations (professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).

Volunteer work is credited and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. Part‑time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
3001 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20008