Temporary Animal Keeper: Multiple Areas

Candidates will need to be skilled in dealing with area specific responsibilities that include: a working knowledge of diverse taxa, attention to detail, proactive communication style, keeping current and functional on all jobs within the area, cooperating with and taking work direction from supervisory and non-supervisory staff, maintaining trained behaviors in the animals, training behaviors as needed for programs or husbandry, work effectively in a team environment (both intra- and inter-departmental), and other functions as assigned by supervisors. All Animal Keepers are expected to adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures and to follow AZA and USDA guidelines. 

• Provides food, water, medications, and supplements as indicated by schedules, prescriptions, or diet boards. To include loading and unloading animal feeds, hay, bedding, and animal care supplies.
• Completes and reviews daily activity reports, diet consumption reports, behavior and/or training records, enrichment records, or any other written documentation on assigned animals.
• Cleans, maintains, and disinfects animal enclosures and service areas.
• Observes individual animals daily and reports animal behavior, appearance, fecal conditions, and unique characteristics.
• Performs proper restraint techniques for crating, transferring, or veterinary procedures.
• Monitors, reports, and performs pest control in assigned areas.
• Prepares and continually enhances animal areas for aesthetic, reproductive, behavior, and animal safety (i.e. perching material, nest boxes, “furniture”, live or artificial plants, etc…).
• Samples and records water analysis.
• Provides continual environmental enrichment by approved methods.
• Trains assigned animals for husbandry and enrichment.
• Responds to hazardous or potentially unsafe situations by taking corrective action and promptly notifying supervisory staff.

• Participates in ex situ and/or in situ conservation initiatives (i.e., studbooks, field research, public education, marketing, etc.)
• Supports, accommodates, and/or participates in on-ground research initiatives (i.e., research proposal review, assist outside researchers,
• systematic record-keeping, behavior observations, literature searches, presentations to staff/volunteers, data or sample collections, etc.)
• Possesses knowledge of research and conservation initiatives in nature and in zoos. This may include Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s involvement, AZA’s, or any organization within his or her area of interest or expertise.

• Communicates regularly with peers and managers concerning matters of animal care, safety, and work schedules.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers (i.e. keepers, education, maintenance, marketing, volunteers) and the public.
• Understands and follows verbal and written instructions.
• Demonstrates initiative, dependability, teamwork, resourcefulness, good judgment, a positive attitude, and common sense.
• Voices concerns constructively.
• Participates in available task forces.

• Works assigned shifts any day of the week with varying days off.
• Performs related duties as apparent or assigned.
• Reports maintenance issues through the use of work orders.
• Attends scheduled meetings.
• Operates a motor vehicle and other mechanical tools and equipment (i.e. hand tools, computers, incubators, etc...).
• Assist in the training of seasonal employees.
• Supports the mission statement of the zoo and established animal care programs.
• Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, animals, co-workers, and public.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in animal sciences or related field preferred.
• Experience working with a wide variety of taxa within AZA-accredited institutions required.
• Previous experience as a Seasonal Animal Keeper with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated education, training and experience supporting the Essential Functions (listed above).
• Ability to work in hot or cold weather, dusty, wet, and odorous conditions. Must be able to maneuver 75 pounds.
• Possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License.

Work Schedule: This position has a varied work schedule

Application Deadline: October 31, 2026