Zookeeper - Reptiles (Full Time)

Summary:

The Reptile keeper is primarily responsible for the care of animals in the Herpetarium and Dragon’s Lair exhibits. The Herpetarium consists of three small crocodilian pools, a collection of small to medium sized exhibits, a small climate-controlled amphibian section, and a dedicated venomous section. The Dragon’s Lair exhibit is comprised of three exhibit spaces for adult Komodo dragons.

The ideal candidate would be proficient in all aspects of zoo animal care including husbandry, exhibit maintenance, record keeping, keeper chats, and conservation. Experience with the husbandry needs of a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, exhibit design, and handling venomous reptiles is preferred.

Collection Encompasses: Species in the collection include a handful of small crocodilians (Chinese alligators, slender snout crocodile, dwarf crocodile), turtle and tortoises (spider tortoises, leaf turtles, Aldabra tortoises, mountain tortoises, Madagascan radiated tortoises, alligator snapping turtles, etc.), lizards (Komodo dragons, Tegu, crocodile monitors, crocodile lizards, green tree monitor, etc.), non-venomous snakes (reticulated pythons, Indian pythons, blood pythons, burrowing pythons, tentacled snakes etc.), venomous snakes and lizards (Mangshan vipers, King Cobra, Gaboon viper, copperhead, cottonmouth, Gila monster, etc.), and amphibians (various dart frogs, Kaup’s caecilians, milky tree frogs, etc.).

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides best available practices in daily animal care, husbandry, enrichment, and training.
• Actively observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address medical needs.
• Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section.
• Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets and maintains accurate records of assigned animals.
• Appropriately cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures/habitats according to written protocols and ensures a sanitary and safe environment.
• Performs exhibit maintenance, including concrete work and periodic updates to exhibit perching and hides.
• Exercise good judgement when making decisions that affect our collection.
• Guest engagement: Facilitates formal and informal public presentations to engage guests and provide a positive guest experience.
• May incorporate modern behavioral husbandry techniques such as operant conditioning and environmental enrichment into animal care.

Minimum Education or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience with animal care and operant conditioning in a zoological setting.
• Previous experience handling venomous snakes.

Competencies:

• Attention to Detail.
• Critical Thinking.
• Flexibility/Adaptability.
• Observation, Data Collection, & Reporting.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Self-Motivation and Initiative.
• Stress Management/Composure.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• Written/Verbal/Oral Communication.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Reporting Structure: Reports to Associate Curator, Team Lead.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately up to 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends including early morning, daytime, and evening hours to provide coverage during Zoo hours of operation.

This position is considered non-exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee will frequently work outdoors (Zoo grounds). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position requires frequent standing/walking/bending/kneeling/crouching and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

​Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Other Requirements:

• 18 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear TB screening.

Benefits & Perks 

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.   

EEOC and Inclusion Statement:  

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.  

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.  

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer. 

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace. 

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 

How to Apply:  

Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers.