The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is seeking to hire an enthusiastic and experienced Zookeeper - Herpetology.  Zookeeper positions play an essential role in animal care, welfare and ensuring safe working environments at the zoo where we maintain many rare, endangered and potentially dangerous animals. This work team at the zoo is small and this position plays a critical part of maintaining good standards of animal care, presentation and customer service to the nearly 500,000 visitors to the zoo each year. This position will be assigned to primarily work on the Herpetology team with animals housed within the Herpetology areas but may be required to work in any of the Animal Services areas as needed.
Department Starting Hiring Salary: $41,231.30
Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To
- Observes animals, checking for medical problems, changes in behavior, feeding habits, and overall well-being.
- Feeds animals as specified by curatorial and veterinary staff in accordance with nutritional and behavioral requirements.
- Cleans, disinfects, and maintains animal exhibits, enclosures, food and water dishes, pools, and other areas.
- Keeps daily records on each animal (behavioral observations, and exhibit integrity and maintenance, etc.).
- Supervises interns when required.
- Conducts animal demonstrations for zoo visitors and writes educational presentations. Â
- Other duties as assigned.
Work requires broad knowledge in a general profession or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Â Completion of a 4-year bachelor's degree from an accredited college or a 2-year associate degree from an accredited college with a dedicated zoo keeping or wildlife program.
One year or more working as a zookeeper in an AZA accredited institution.Work location:Â Virginia Zoological Park, 3500Â Granby Street, Norfolk 23504Â Â
Work hours:Â 40 hours a week worked over a 5-workday schedule; schedule may vary. Working weekends and holidays may be required.
Signing Bonus:Â This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus. The signing bonus will be paid in two (2) increments: $2,500 upon completion of 60 days of employment, and $2,500 upon completion of your probationary period. To receive the signing bonus, you must be an active employee in good standing.Â
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