Reid Park Zoo, in Tucson, Arizona, seeks a Zoo Keeper (Float). This is a newly created position to support the zoo’s upcoming Asia Expansion. Responsible for the care of multiple species spanning a variety of taxa on various Animal Care Teams.

With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is a leader in the songbird and monarch SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) programs, to name a few recognitions. Attracting 600,000 guests annually, the Zoo is in the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

Pay Range: $17.67 to $20.76 per hour, DOE 

Benefits: This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time, retirement plan, zoo membership, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases. 

No phone calls or visits, please. This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment. 

Overview:  This is a newly created position to support the zoo’s upcoming Asia Expansion. Responsible for the care of multiple species spanning a variety of taxa on various Animal Care Teams. This role will be cross-trained in multiple areas and responsible for assisting in animal care duties to assist other teams. This person will ultimately be checked off to do at least one routine on all animal care teams and will rotate between the six animal teams to provide needed coverage to maximize animal well-being.

Reports To: General Curator of Animal Care 

Essential Job Duties:

• Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
• Foster and maintain positive, collaborative relationships at all levels
• Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures
• Daily cleaning is associated with animal night houses, habitats, and visitor viewing areas.
• Husbandry care for the animals in the area (feeding, medicating, training, enriching, and care specific to the species)

Other Job Duties:

• Completes reports including but not limited to daily animal reports, enrichment logs, water quality logs, training logs, medication logs, animal incident reports, etc.
• Develops & implements enrichment activities for animals following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols.
• Trains utilizing positive reinforcement to aid in animal management & promote visitor education.
• Monitors animal welfare and reports concerns to supervisor.
• Follows all animal care protocols and policies.
• May be asked to assist in the training of new staff and mentoring volunteers.
• Completes all training as required.
• Variable shift work is possible.
• Support Animal Behavior and Well-Being Program Leader with projects as scheduling allows

 Communication:

• Participates in formal presentations, e.g., Keeper talks, special events, behind-the-scenes tours, etc.
• Answers visitor questions concerning animals, conservation, zoo operations, etc.

 Health & Safety:

• Assists in the capture and/or physical/ chemical restraint & transportation of animals.
• Participates in emergency drills.
• Responds to animal emergencies following approved protocols. 
• Stays current on required vaccinations

Administrative Functions:

• Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties.
• Complete all animal records in a variety of software programs, including Animal Care Software, ZIMS, etc.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological science, animal or zoology related, plus one year of paid experience at an AZA-accredited facility OR Associate’s degree with three years’ paid animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility; OR acceptable combination of education and experience (approval required from Animal Care Director)
• Valid, unrestricted Driver’s license
• Complete pre-employment drug test (non-THC) successfully
• Complete criminal history background check successfully
• Pre-employment TB test (and annual renewals) or evidence of a negative TB test result in the immediate past 12 months
• Completes all training as required
• Variable shift work is possible
• Participates in emergency drills
• Regular physical attendance at work
• Demonstrated critical analysis, customer service, problem-solving, conflict resolution, decision-making, leadership, team building, time management, and motivational skills
• Demonstrated ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate and resolve conflicts, maintain confidentiality, and respect and observe organizational protocol
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of RPZS and coworkers, as well as diverse volunteers, guests, donors, community partners, vendors, and others
• Able to work a flexible work schedule and adjust as required
• Weekend, special events, and some holiday work are required 

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3-5 years’ paid zoo keeper experience
• AZA Accredited Zoo Experience with a wide variety of taxa
• Bi-lingual (Any language, including ASL)

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach
• Stand for long periods
• Repetitious motion with hands
• Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
• Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

Please note that this document is not an exhaustive list.  It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Dept.