Zookeeper, Australia and the Islands

Powell, OH Full Time Science, Environmental, Natural Resources Posted 06/26/2026

Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.

Join a dedicated team committed to advancing animal welfare and global conservation. In this role, you will provide expert care for a diverse range of species—including marsupials, reptiles, birds, and aquatic life—while supporting our mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.

• Responsible for the daily care of primarily animals within assigned team as well as all other animals within the region; tests water quality and monitors life support systems and all region exhibit and grounds maintenance.

• Performs care of the region’s animals, including food preparation, feeding, monitoring diets, watering, bathing, enrichment, water changes, observing medical and behavioral changes, and behavioral stimulation and may assist with medical treatment as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarians.
• Participates in training and operant conditioning programs and follows standardized reporting mechanisms.
• Maintains daily and monthly records on animals.
• Provides input to the Assistant Curator on all aspects (e.g. safety, animal husbandry) of assigned areas.

• Cleans and maintains animal exhibit areas, performs basic horticulture work (e.g. caring for region’s egress/ingress, general grounds beautification) and disinfects animal enclosures.
• Performs minor maintenance, water quality testing, water changes, filter maintenance and other work related to aquatic systems.
• Utilizes chemical supply products and follows standardized usage guidelines and safety information as set by the Material Data Sheets.

• Provides educational information about the region’s animal population through such activities as interacting with the public, conducting keeper talks, staffing interpreter stations, conducting tours and workshops, attending docent meetings, composing articles for zoo publications, and conducting volunteer trainings.
• Participates in cross-training activities as directed.

• Assures the safety of self, animals, co-workers, and visitors by observing safety guidelines when working with animals, equipment and vehicles.
• May provide leadership to seasonal employees, interns, volunteers and zooschool students (e.g. provide daily work direction, inform management of problems).

• Attends departmental meetings and participates in developmental seminars and workshops as required.
• May establish and maintain contacts with other zookeepers outside of the Columbus Zoo, field researchers and other specialists.
• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club and The Wilds.
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal science, biology or relevant field required. Four years of relevant zoo keeping experience may be substituted for a degree.
• Experience in zoo keeping (6 months to one year), or approved equivalent required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing is required.
• Ability to develop and deliver informational presentations to small, medium, or large groups required.
• S.C.U.B.A. certification required (if assigned duties include diving).
• Ability to pass the Dive Program's annual swim test and physical exam is required if assigned diving duties.
• Remain current and follow all diving related institutional safety protocols as assigned.
• C.P.R./First Aid certification preferred.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical work required.

• Minimum six months’ animal husbandry experience working with primates, reptiles, carnivores, herbivores, and birds preferred.
• Ability to successfully perform zookeeper duties within a diverse animal collection preferred.
• Experience in the maintenance of aquariums, aquatic life support systems, and use of water quality testing equipment…