Seasonal Keeper

Potawatomi Zoo has a seasonal animal care position open. This is a part‑time, non‑benefitted position, with hours ranging throughout the season, but up to 40 hours/week in peak season (June‑August). Applicants must be highly motivated and be willing to work flexible hours, which will include weekends, evenings and holidays. Candidates will be trained and expected to work independently in our Children’s zoo (farm) area.

While this is a husbandry position, a main component of the job will be interacting with the public and acting as an attendant in our farm area.

• Work as public attendant to guests interacting with Zoo Farm animals.
• Work as public attendant to guests during Giraffe Feeding.
• Daily husbandry care of animals, including, but not limited to, feeding, cleaning, and daily observation of health and welfare.
• Daily record keeping and recording of all relevant data relating to animal health, behavior and environment.
• Monitoring any births, deaths, injuries, and/or illnesses and reporting them to the proper manager.
• Preparing and distributing appropriate enrichment to animals.
• Maintaining trained behaviors and helping to train new behaviors.
• Assisting with capturing and restraining animals, and medical procedures.
• Performing minor exhibit repairs and improvements and reporting larger maintenance repairs to the proper manager.
• Must be outgoing and willing to speak with visitors and participate in scheduled and impromptu keeper encounters/chats.
• Performing other duties as assigned by supervisory staff.

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• 1 year of college, working towards a degree in biology, zoology or related field; experience working with animals in an AZA facility (preferred); ability to work independently or as a team with excellent communication skills.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must have proof of current negative TB test.
• Must have valid driver’s license.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Prospective employees will have to pass a criminal background check.

Potawatomi Zoo
500 S. Greenlawn Ave.
SOUTH BEND, IN 46615