Zookeeper II Asia

About the Department

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is seeking to hire an enthusiastic and experienced Zookeeper II - Asia.  Zookeeper positions play an essential role in animal care, welfare and ensuring safe working environments at the zoo where we maintain many rare, endangered and potentially dangerous animals. This position works in a team environment that plays a critical part of maintaining good standards of animal care, presentation and customer service to the nearly 500,000 visitors to the zoo each year. This position will be assigned to primarily work on the Asia team with animals housed within the Asia section but may be required to work in any of the Animal Care areas as needed.

For over 125 years The Virginia Zoological Park has been committed to saving and protecting the world's wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world. Come live by the beautiful Chesapeake Bay; kayak launch sites are just outside our perimeter fence. We are situated 30 minutes from the ocean front and 3 hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Position Duties

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Observes animals, checking for medical problems, changes in behavior, feeding habits, and overall well-being.

• Feeds animals as specified by curatorial and veterinary staff in accordance with nutritional and behavioral requirements.

• Cleans, disinfects, and maintains animal exhibits, enclosures, food and water dishes, pools, and other areas.

• Keeps daily records on each animal (behavioral observations, and exhibit integrity and maintenance, etc.).

• Supervises interns when required.

• Conducts animal demonstrations for zoo visitors and writes educational presentations.  

• Must be able to handle and assist in the restraint and capture of animals.

• Must be able to lift heavy feed and manure receptacles and walk long distances.

• Must have knowledge of behavioral characteristics and handling procedures for assigned animals.

• Must have knowledge of animal restraint apparatus such as ropes, squeeze cages, catch poles, shifts, nets etc.

• Must be able to use tools and operate small equipment.

• Requires normal hearing and seeing capabilities and the ability to stand, bend, lift, stoop, push and pull.

• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and work in a team environment.

• Must work in a friendly and professional manner with staff, volunteers, colleagues, and zoo visitors.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Work requires broad knowledge in a general profession or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or a 2-year associate's degree with a dedicated zoo keeping or wildlife program.

Three or more years of experience as a zookeeper in an AZA accredited institution.

Other Qualifications

Norfolk, Virginia is a city of over 247,000 residents and more than 100 diverse neighborhoods. It is the cultural, educational, business and medical center of Hampton Roads, hosts the world's largest naval base, the region's international airport and is one of the busiest international ports on the East Coast of the United States. Norfolk neighborhoods are vibrant and inclusive places where caring neighbors want to live, invest, and participate.