Zookeeper - Forest

SUMMARY

Zookeepers in the Tropical Forest Area are responsible for animal care, feeding, enrichment, and record‑keeping for species such as gorillas, ring‑tailed lemurs, De Brazza's monkey, cotton‑top tamarin, pygmy hippo, Baird's tapir, giant anteater, and various birds, snakes, amphibians, and insects. The role requires a 7:00‑15:30 or 10:30‑19:00 schedule in the busy season, 7:30‑16:30 in the quiet season, with two weekdays off, regular weekend and holiday work, and overtime as needed.

This is a seasonal, part‑time position with 0–40 hours per week based on availability.

Zoo New England, managing Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, seeks animal care professionals to join the largest department in the zoo. The mission is to inspire conservation, research, and education through engaging wildlife experiences.

• Attention to detail: Provide exceptional care by monitoring animal health and observing for illness or injury.
• Friendly and welcoming: Offer great customer service and participate in keeper talks and behind‑the‑scenes tours.
• Excellent communicator: Communicate clearly with supervisors and coworkers while maintaining thorough records.
• Excellent time management: Manage time to stay on schedule and complete tasks efficiently after training.
• Reliable and thorough: Maintain assigned areas to high standards, exceed USDA and AZA guidelines, and provide enrichment.

• Work safely around animals, following USDA and AZA guidelines.
• Provide daily fresh food and water, monitor consumption, clean and maintain exhibits, and give supplements, medication, and enrichment.
• Interact with guests, participate in keeper chats and public presentations.
• Observe and report health and behavior on ZIMS, maintain charts, census forms, calendars, reports, and logs.

• High School diploma or GED;
  Bachelor’s in Biology, Zoology, or related field preferred.
• TB negative within 12 months before starting and fully vaccinated for COVID‑19.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office and 2‑way radios.
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving history, and ability to work on feet for long periods and lift over 50 lbs.
• Physically able to work extended periods in harsh climatic conditions and function independently as a team member.
• Must work weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Zoo New England is an Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.

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