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Ball Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

John Ball Zoo

Senior Zookeeper - Area 2

Grand Rapids, MI

$20.62 - $24.03/hr

John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation. As one of the top attractions in Grand ...

BluePearl

Veterinary Oncologist

Grand Rapids, MI

$185.75/hr

Attractions including Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall, John Ball Zoo, and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Whether you enjoy outdoor recreation, arts and culture, or exceptional ...

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Ball Zoo information

What are the typical responsibilities of an animal caretaker at a zoo specializing in reptiles and amphibians, such as a ball python exhibit?

Animal caretakers working in a reptile-focused zoo exhibit, such as one with ball pythons, are responsible for daily feeding, habitat maintenance, monitoring animal health, and ensuring optimal enclosure conditions. They often collaborate with veterinarians and educators to support animal well-being and visitor engagement. The role also involves careful record-keeping and providing enrichment activities to promote natural behaviors. Teamwork is essential, as caretakers frequently coordinate with other staff to manage breeding programs and public demonstrations.

What is the difference between Ball Zoo vs Animal Keeper?

AspectBall ZooAnimal Keeper
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require animal care certificationsSimilar; often requires animal care certifications or relevant experience
Work EnvironmentZoo exhibits, animal enclosures, educational areasAnimal enclosures, habitats, and care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, wildlife parks, conservation centersZoos, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level animal care rolesFocuses on daily animal husbandry and enrichment tasks

In summary, a Ball Zoo is a facility that houses various animals for public viewing and education, while an Animal Keeper is a professional responsible for caring for animals within such a zoo. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment, but the zoo is the employer, and the keeper is the role performed within it.

What are Ball Zoo jobs?

Ball Zoo jobs refer to the various positions available at a zoo that may be named 'Ball Zoo,' such as zookeepers, animal caretakers, tour guides, educators, and administrative staff. Employees at a zoo like Ball Zoo are responsible for caring for animals, maintaining exhibits, educating visitors, and supporting the overall mission of wildlife conservation and public engagement. These jobs often require a passion for animals, strong communication skills, and sometimes specialized training or education in biology or animal science. Working at a zoo can be rewarding for those interested in animal welfare and environmental education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ball Zoo?

I'm sorry, but 'Ball Zoo' is not a recognized professional occupation, so I cannot provide information on skills and qualifications for this role.
More about Ball Zoo jobs
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What states have the most Ball Zoo jobs? States with the most job openings for Ball Zoo jobs include:
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Ball Zoo jobs near you
Senior Zookeeper - Area 2

Senior Zookeeper - Area 2

John Ball Zoo

Grand Rapids, MI

$20.62 - $24.03/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

John Ball Zoo rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

SENIOR ZOOKEEPER
The Area 2 Senior Zookeeper performs general daily animal care functions including the maintenance of live exhibits and holding facilities, animal training, diet preparation and feeding, and enrichment delivery. This position guides the team in daily operations, serves as a resource and provides training for all animal care staff, volunteers, and interns in the development of job skills related to daily animal care, and, under manager direction, liaises with other teams and departments. This position is primarily responsible for amphibians and reptiles (ex: small crocodile species, large pythons, iguanas, monitor lizards, and venomous.
This is a union position. Pay will be based on experience: $20.62 - $26.33 per hour
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SENIOR ZOOKEEPER AT JBZ
The Senior Zookeeper monitors animals in Area 2 (including amphibians, reptiles, primates, and aquatics) to ensure that they are physically and mentally healthy, uninjured, and exhibiting normal behavior. They perform advanced animal care and management, including but not limited to animal procedures, escape response, capture and restraint, transports, introductions, and training, as well as performing daily inspections of exhibits and holding areas to assess environment quality. They complete required documentation, report concerns to animal care managers, and provide guidance and assistance to teams on projects as directed by animal care leadership. They also assist with the development and writing of standard operating procedures and department policies and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR A SENIOR ZOOKEEPER AT JBZ
  • Bachelors degree in life science or related field
  • At least five years of experience in exotic animal care or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience in animal care
  • At least three years of experience working with venomous animals and teaching others safe venomous handling
  • Experience with reptile and amphibian exhibit design, including environmental parameter management, exhibit building, and water quality management
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to ensure thorough and effective communication with a broad spectrum of stakeholders include, but not limited to: team members, managers, volunteers, leadership, and guests.
  • Experience leading a team and mentoring others preferred.
  • Ability to develop positive professional relationships with all levels of staff and volunteers.
  • Ability to work with potentially deadly animals (PDAs).
  • Ability to act as the point of contact for area when managers are not present - including addressing animal/space issues (unplanned medical issues, escapes, malfunctioning/damaged infrastructure); liaising with other departments and teams as needed; making and communicating changes as needed.
  • Experience developing and writing SOPs, department policies, and animal behavior plans preferred.
  • Demonstrated computer competence to complete required record keeping and communication. Experience using ZIMS preferred.
  • Dive-certified or ability to obtain dive certification
  • Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
WHO WE ARE
At John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation. As one of the top attractions in Grand Rapids, we welcome over 700,000 guests each year who are able to experience over 2,000 animals of over 230 species that represent the beautiful wildlife living in our world! We are passionate about our mission focused on education and conservation but know that our 120+ full time and 350 seasonal people guided by our core values accomplish this mission. Our core values are:
  • Conservation
  • Education
  • Community
  • Celebrate
  • Compassion
BENEFITS AT JBZ
  • We offer incredibly competitive benefits. This includes FREE:
  • Medical plan option
  • Short-term disability
  • Long-term disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Dental amp; Vision for employee amp; family
  • 12 Full weeks of parental leave
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
We offer generous Vacation and Personal time and 11 Holidays each year. We offer a 4% match and 3% employer contribution to your 401k, zoo discounts, employee-only zoo experiences, tuition reimbursement, additional medical benefits to meet your and your family's needs, and a FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family.
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Employee will work in various environments both inside and outside and will be exposed to inclement weather; pollen, mold, dust, dirt, and other airborne contaminants; and temperature variations. Must be able to tolerate exposure to anti-bacterial, disinfectants and other cleaning compounds. Must be able to wear all required protective clothing and equipment. Must be able to work near exotic and domestic animals and tolerate exposure to animal dander, animal wastes, and other zoonotic contaminants. Must be able to lift at least 50lbs and stand for at least two hours. Must be able and available to be tested annually for tuberculosis. Must be, or able to be, immunized against Hepatitis-B and rabies.
NEW TO GRAND RAPIDS
Come live in the beautiful Grand Rapids where you can find live music, art festivals, outdoor recreation, and nationally ranked food and craft beverages. You can drive 20 minutes and be by the beautiful Lake Michigan, hike and kayak by the Grand River, or stay downtown and enjoy a variety of food and drinks. Grand Rapids is known as Americas’ best beer city, nation's craft beverage capital, and a top 20 U.S. Foodie city. There is a little bit of everything here in Grand Rapids to attract everyone including our growing zoo!
John Ball Zoo is a drug free facility under federal regulations. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We invite individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, hairstyles, or any other characteristic to join our team where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated.
We envision a future of being a world-class zoo, a premier education facility, a renowned conservation center, and a wildly successful national visitor attraction. Want to help make the adventure come alive? Apply today and join us!

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