Zoo Keeper Jobs

The Zoo encompasses a 485 acre campus and is home to more than 5,300 animals with about 1.29 million guests visiting annually. The Zoo is a coordinator of international conservation and breeding programs and is the State’s largest environmental educator with over 400,000 participants annually. The Zoo’s conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems and its education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout our region, and around the world

Working Title: Zoo Keeper
Job Class: Zoo Keeper
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Salary Range: $21.10 - $29.74 / hourly; $44,056 - $62,097 / annually
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
• Closing Date: 08/21/2023
• Travel Required: No
• Telework Eligible: No
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Division/Unit: Biological Programs / Northern Trail - RGC
• Days of Work: Wednesday - Sunday
• Classified Status: Classified
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Work Area: Northern Trail / RGC
• Date Posted: 08/14/2023

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position provides animal and exhibit care and maintenance so that healthy, well-adjusted animals, and attractive, instructive exhibits are presented to guests of the Minnesota Zoo in a manner that supports the Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The incumbent ensures appropriate welfare of the animals. The incumbent operates fleet vehicles to move around the Zoo campus.

Responsibilites include but are not limited to:

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience as a full-time Zookeeper at a zoo or aquarium; OR Three (3) years full-time experience in an established laboratory or field research program involving vertebrate animals and data collection; responsible work experience in a laboratory animal colony or veterinary hospital involving direct animal care and maintenance. Experience must be within the last ten (10) years and include all of the following:

• Preparation and maintenance of detailed animal records, and
• Ability to interpret technical literature that relates to the health and management of animals.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity
• Preparation and feeding of animal diets,
• Customer service skills sufficient to work with co-workers and guests courteously and respectfully.
• Maintenance of sanitary animal living conditions.
• Observation of animal behaviors,
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a variety of primate species in multi-species exhibits, family groups, troops, and lesser Apes
• Open water SCUBA certification or equivalent
• Experience as a trainer with primates, carnivores and hoofstock
• Current CPR and 1st AID certification
• College degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education, Ecology or closely related field.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to differentiate colors
• Ability to lift and move large objects as a team over uneven terrain
• Ability to grip 34 pounds to operate power washer intermittently for up to 60 minutes
• Ability to push/pull up to 90 pounds
• Ability to bend and crouch occasionally throughout the day
• Ability to lift, carry and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to wear N95 face masks/respirators
• Ability to negotiate all types of terrain
• Exposure to a wide variety of pesticides and potentially dangerous equipment and machinery on a regular basis
• Ability to shovel to clean animal areas and work areas
• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time throughout the day
• Ability to routinely work with potentially dangerous domestic animals
• Ability to tolerate loud noises regularly throughout the day
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year round
• Current Rabies vaccination and negative TB or ability to become Rabies vaccinated and complete a negative TB test within the probationary period and complete ongoing Rabies titer testing
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders occasionally throughout the day
• Exposure to some zoonotic diseases and potent immobilization agents/drugs for treatment of animals
• Ability to use hand/finger coordination to manipulate items and operate hand and/or power tools

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

• Criminal Background Check including fingerprinting
• Driver's License Check
• Employment Verification Check

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Michele Lamm at [email protected] or 952-431-9482.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Michele Lamm at [email protected].

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Prescription drug coverage
• Tuition reimbursement
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Training and professional development
• Vision coverage
• Public pension plan
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness programs and resources
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Employer paid life insurance

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and indicate what assistance is needed.