Animal Care Keeper
Texas Zoofari Park, a 900-acre drive-through zoo and breeding center located in Kaufman, Texas, is expanding and seeking additional Animal Care Keepers to join our growing team. The park is home to more than 1,000 animals, including large herds of hoofstock, Southern White Rhinoceros, Reticulated Giraffes, a walk-through aviary, kangaroos, and a domestic petting area.
This position is ideal for a motivated, physically fit individual with excellent observational skills, a strong work ethic, and a passion for animal care. Animal Care Keepers are responsible for providing exceptional daily husbandry while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, exhibit cleanliness, and guest interaction.
Position Summary
Animal Care Keepers are responsible for the daily care, feeding, observation, and management of assigned animals and exhibits. Full-time keepers are expected to maintain accurate animal records, participate in breeding and herd management programs, and assist with veterinary procedures, animal transfers, and enrichment activities.
Successful candidates must possess excellent time management skills, the ability to work independently, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn and grow within a professional zoological environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide daily husbandry and care for assigned animals and exhibits.
- Observe and monitor animal health, behavior, breeding activity, and overall well-being, reporting concerns promptly to supervisory staff.
- Clean and maintain exhibits, holding areas, barns, and service areas to ensure high standards of sanitation and animal welfare.
- Conduct pest control and habitat maintenance as required.
- Prepare and distribute diets according to written feeding protocols.
- Ensure animals have access to clean water and administer medications as directed.
- Implement and document enrichment activities that promote species-appropriate behaviors.
- Assist with veterinary procedures, preventative healthcare programs, and routine medical treatments.
- Assist with animal captures, transfers, introductions, and handling procedures following established protocols.
- Maintain accurate daily records, including animal counts, diets, medications, observations, and breeding information.
- Operate vehicles, tractors, power tools, lawn equipment, and other machinery safely and responsibly.
- Perform general exhibit and facility maintenance, including painting, fence repairs, mowing, weed control, and landscaping.
- Conduct educational presentations, keeper talks, animal encounters, and guest interactions in a professional and engaging manner.
- Interact positively with guests, staff, volunteers, and visitors while representing Texas Zoofari Park in a professional manner.
- Follow all safety procedures, animal handling protocols, and park policies.
Position Requirements
- Minimum of six (6) months of paid animal care experience required.
- Experience with hoofstock, livestock, exotic animals, or wildlife is preferred.
- Domestic hoofstock experience is acceptable.
- Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent time management and organizational abilities.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and daily routines.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn.
- Ability to adhere to park policies, including personal appearance standards.
- Must maintain a drug-free and smoke-free work environment.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, or a related field preferred.
- Relevant animal care experience may be substituted for formal education.
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with hoofstock, livestock, exotic animals, or wildlife preferred.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
- Must be able to pass a background check.
- Experience operating tractors, trucks, utility vehicles, and equipment is preferred or willingness to learn.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and varying schedules as required.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and humidity.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and perform physically demanding tasks throughout the workday.
- Must be physically capable of safely handling large animals and performing strenuous labor.
Compensation & Benefits
Texas Zoofari Park offers competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience, along with opportunities for professional growth within a rapidly expanding zoological facility.
Benefits may include:
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Health insurance options
- Dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Professional development opportunities
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and qualifications to:
Victoria GaroutteDirector, Texas Zoofari [email protected]
Subject Line: Animal Care Keeper
Texas Zoofari Park is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug-free and smoke-free workplace.
Pay: $14.50 - $15.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
