Zookeeper II, Birds

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Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zookeeper II is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry of the animals and the maintenance of animal enclosures within a specified Houston Zoo animal program. This position will coordinate all program objectives in addition to day-to-day husbandry and enclosure maintenance.

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities.
• Maintains clean and organized exhibits, holding areas, service areas and equipment.
• Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding practices and diet sheets.
• Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
• Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the Zoo Supervisor.
• Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research, or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with TRACKS and Microsoft Office software applications.
• Understands and applies a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under his/her care.
• Understands and applies the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under his/her care.
• Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.
• As appropriate, maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi-aquatic animal species.
• As appropriate, maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures.
• In conjunction with the zoo’s pest control officer, may assist in pest control through the use of exclusion or traps.
• Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the Zoo Supervisor.
• Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the Zoo Supervisor.
• May assist with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA, or other industry activities as directed/approve by the Zoo Supervisor or Curator; provides support for zoo projects.
• Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.
• May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Demonstrates proficiency in all duties and all assigned work areas within a specified timeframe.
• Assists with training, mentoring, and may oversee and direct activities of teenage volunteers, Zoo Crew.
• May assist Zoo Supervisors in the oversight of team projects.
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the roles AZA zoos play in conservation and saving animals in the wild.
• Actively pursues feedback and other resources to develop leadership skills.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through:reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from four-year college or university in zoology, biology, animal husbandry or a related field.
• Experience and education may be considered equivalent at the rate of six months of experience per 15 hours of college level credit, up to 60 hours.
• A certificate of completion from an acceptable animal care program may be substituted for a Bachelor’s degree.
• Three years of experience in animal care…