Senior Zookeeper - Area

Senior Zookeeper

A senior zookeeper in Area 2 performs general daily animal care functions including maintenance of live exhibits and holding facilities, animal training, diet preparation and feeding, and enrichment delivery. The position guides the team in daily operations, serves as a resource, and provides training for all animal care staff, volunteers, and interns. Under manager direction, the zookeeper liaises with other teams and departments.

The primary responsibility is for amphibians and reptiles (e.g., small crocodile species, large pythons, iguanas, monitor lizards, venomous species) and supports chimpanzees and aquatics.

This is a union position. Pay will be based on experience: $20.62 – $24.03 per hour.

The senior zookeeper monitors animals in Area 2 (amphibians, reptiles, primates, aquatics) to ensure they are physically and mentally healthy, uninjured, and exhibiting normal behavior. They perform advanced animal care and management, including animal procedures, escape response, capture and restraint, transports, introductions, and training. They also conduct daily inspections of exhibits and holding areas, complete required documentation, report concerns to animal care managers, and provide guidance and assistance on projects.

They assist with developing and writing standard operating procedures and department policies.

• Bachelor's degree in life science or related field
• At least five years of experience in exotic animal care or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience in animal care
• At least three years of experience working with venomous animals and teaching others safe venomous handling
• Experience with reptile and amphibian exhibit design, including environmental parameter management, exhibit building, and water quality management
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to ensure thorough and effective communication with a broad spectrum of stakeholders including, but not limited to: team members, managers, volunteers, leadership, and guests.
• Experience leading a team and mentoring others preferred.
• Ability to develop positive professional relationships with all levels of staff and volunteers.
• Ability to work with potentially deadly animals (PDAs).
• Ability to act as the point of contact for area when managers are not present - including addressing animal/space issues (unplanned medical issues, escapes, malfunctioning/damaged infrastructure); liaising with other departments and teams as needed; making and communicating changes as needed.
• Experience developing and writing SOPs, department policies, and animal behavior plans preferred.
• Demonstrated computer competence to complete required record keeping and communication. Experience using ZIMS preferred.
• Dive‑certified or ability to obtain dive certification
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

At John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire community engagement in wildlife conservation. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983, we are a top attraction in Grand Rapids, welcoming over 700,000 guests annually. Our core values are:

• Conservation
• Education
• Community
• Celebrate
• Compassion

• Medical plan option
• Short‑term disability
• Long‑term disability
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Dental & Vision for employee & family
• 12 full weeks of parental leave

We also offer generous vacation and personal time, 11 holidays each year, a 4% match and 3% employer contribution to your 401(k), zoo discounts, employee‑only zoo experiences, tuition reimbursement, additional medical benefits, and a free premium zoo membership for you and your family.

Employees work in various indoor and outdoor environments and will be exposed to inclement weather, pollen, mold, dust, dirt, temperature variations and cleaning compounds. Must be able to wear required protective clothing and work near exotic and domestic animals. Must lift at least 50 lbs and stand for at least two hours. Must be available for annual tuberculosis testing and meet immunization…