Zoo Keeper​/Animal Care Technician - Temporary Float

Job Details

Working Title:
Zoo Keeper - Animal Care Technician 3 - Temporary Float
Job Class:
Zoo Keeper
Agency:
Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job : 92202
• Location
  :
  Apple Valley
• Telework Eligible
  :
  No
• Full/Part Time
  :
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary
  :
  Temporary
• Who May Apply
  :
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted
  : 02/18/2026
• Closing Date
  : 03/03/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit
  :
  Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME
• Division/Unit
  :
  Animal Care, Health, Conservation & Behavior/Animal Care
• Work Shift/Work Hours
  :
  Day Shift
• Days of Work
  :
  Five 8-hour shifts or four 10-hour shifts depending on assignment; will include 1 or 2 weekend days.
• Travel Required
  :
  May require occasional day time travel and overnight stays.
• Salary Range: $26.42 - $35.17 / hourly; $55,164 - $73,434 / annually
• Classified Status
  :
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union
  : 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area
  :
  Operations:
  Bio Programs Admin
• End Date
  : 09/08/2026
• FLSA Status
  :
  Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  No

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

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.

As a float position, this position must be available to rotate work schedules and work assignments as directed, including providing vacation or sick leave relief for other staff. The incumbent may be assigned to multiple work areas and on varied irregular schedules depending on the need. The incumbent will work days and hours including weekends, evening, night, and/or holidays as assigned.

If part-time, the incumbent may be offered additional shifts up to 40 hours per week.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Perform animal husbandry procedures as established so that the highest level of animal health and exhibition are maintained.
• Perform maintenance and general cleaning of habitats and work areas as assigned so that a neat and clean appearance and pleasant and safe experience are provided for all guests.
• Prepare, present, and participate in interpretive programs for Zoo guests, staff, and/or volunteers so that staff and guests receive accurate information on the biology, natural history, and conservation of the species in an educational and entertaining manner.

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked;

and the month and year you started and ended.

• Three (3) years of experience as a full-time Zookeeper at a zoo or aquarium; OR Three (3) years of experience working in a veterinary hospital involving direct animal care and maintenance. Experience must be within the last ten (10) years and include all of the following:
• Customer service skills sufficient to work with co-workers and guests courteously and respectfully.
• 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.
• Unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record.

• College degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education, Ecology or closely related field.
• Experience working with a variety of taxa including carnivores, hoofstock, primates, herps, birds, aquatics, marine mammals and/or domestics.
• Experience training marine mammals for medical behaviors, enrichment, exercise, and public interpretation/educational programs.
• Experience interpreting animal behavior and providing species specific information to guests.
• Experience with public interpretation of animals, animal behavior and training.
• Experience working with animals in an ambassador setting, including handling and presenting for educational programs for large audiences, small audiences, and/or small groups.
• Ability to work as a firearms team member.
• Open water SCUBA…