Volunteer Zookeeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zookeeper II is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry and maintenance of the animals and their enclosures. This role exercises the highest standards of animal welfare, conservation, guest engagement, and scientific research in alignment with the zoo’s mission.

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities.
• Maintains clean and organized exhibits, holding areas, service areas, and equipment.
• Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding practices and diet sheets.
• Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
• Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the Zoo Supervisor.
• Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research, or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with TRACKS and Microsoft Office software applications.
• Understands and applies behavior-based husbandry; improves the quality of life of animal collection by providing enrichment and training opportunities.
• As appropriate, maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi-aquatic animal species.
• As appropriate, maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures.
• In conjunction with the Pest Control team assists in pest control through the use of exclusion or traps.
• Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the Zoo Supervisor.
• Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the Zoo Supervisor.
• Assists with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA, or other industry activities as directed/approve by the Zoo Supervisor or Curator; provides support for zoo projects.
• Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.
• Required to safely operate a motor vehicle.

• Demonstrates proficiency in all duties and all assigned work areas within a specified timeframe.
• Assists with training, mentoring, and oversees and directs activities of teenage volunteers, Zoo Crew.
• Assists Zoo Supervisors in the oversight of team projects.
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the roles AZA zoos have in conservation and saving animals in the wild.
• Actively pursues feedback and other resources to develop leadership skills.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment or internships.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license.

• Must be dive certified or the ability to be certified (select animal departments).
• Must be active members of the dive team to do routine maintenance and cleaning of the aquatic environments, following all dive protocols (select animal programs).

About Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
Join Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.