Zookeeper - Area 3

Be part of the adventure and come Work Wild with us! Have an enhanced experience taking care of our wide range of animals as a Zookeeper in Area 3. We are looking for someone passionate about animal care and working with others to join our energetic and fast-paced team to provide the best care possible for our animals.

This is a union position with pay starting at $17.11 per hour

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A ZOOKEEPER AT JBZ

A Zookeeper performs technical animal management work in accordance with established procedures and protocols, required for proper care and maintenance of animals under human care at the John Ball Zoo. This includes the care and feeding of exotic and domestic animals; the cleaning and maintenance of buildings, exhibits, and yards; and observation and reporting on the physical and behavioral condition of the animals. This position may work with the following types of animals: Penguins, other bird species, small mammals, and interactive habitats.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR A ZOOKEEPER AT JBZ

• Knowledgeable of and experienced with modern principles of animal care and welfare, including behavioral enrichment, medical treatments, exhibitory, nutrition, disease, transport, and positive reinforcement based training techniques.
• Capable of demonstrating professionalism and maturity at all times
• Skilled in proper interpretive techniques to relay information to visiting public
• A strong and effective communicator and a supportive team player.
• Innovative and willing to look for solutions.
• Capable of following all zoo and industry safety guidelines.
• Be a self-starter and enjoy a neat and organized workspace.
• Must be willing to work holidays, weekends, evenings, and late night events.
• 2 years experience working with exotic animals is preferred
• Possess a positive attitude and a general philosophy/outlook in line with the Zoo’s mission.
• Working knowledge of the principles of operant conditioning to facilitate daily husbandry, behavioral modification, and medical procedures and possess the ability to successfully train behaviors from inception through completion.

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 options
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Dental & Vision for employee & family
• 12 Full weeks of parental leave

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

We offer generous vacation time, 9 days of personal time, and 11 paid 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 you 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.

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!

John Ball Zoo is a drug-free workplace under federal regulations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.