The Zoo encompasses a 485 acre campus and is home to more than 5,300 animals with about 1.29 million guests visiting annually. The Zoo is a coordinator of international conservation and breeding programs and is the State’s largest environmental educator with over 400,000 participants annually. The Zoo’s conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems and its education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout our region, and around the world

Working Title: Zoo Keeper
Job Class: Zoo Keeper
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/17/2023
• Closing Date: 05/26/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoo Gardens-Insuff Wk Tm
• Division/Unit: Biological Programs / Ambassador Animals
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day shift
• Days of Work: TBD
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $21.10 - $29.74 / hourly; $44,056 - $62,097 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep
• End Date: Anticipated end date: September 12, 2023
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position provides animal and habitat care and maintenance so that healthy, well-adjusted animals, and attractive, instructive exhibits are presented to guests of the Minnesota Zoo in a manner that supports the Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The incumbent ensures appropriate welfare of the animals. The incumbent operates fleet vehicles to move around the Zoo campus.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform animal husbandry procedures as established so that the highest level of animal health and exhibition are maintained.
• Perform maintenance and general cleaning of habitats and work areas as assigned so that a neat and clean appearance and pleasant and safe experience are provided for all guests.
• Prepare, present, and participate in interpretive programs for Zoo guests, staff, and/or volunteers so that staff and guests receive accurate information on the biology, natural history, and conservation of the species in an educational and entertaining manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience as a full-time Zookeeper at a zoo or aquarium; OR Three (3) years full-time experience in an established laboratory or field research program involving vertebrate animals and data collection; responsible work experience in a laboratory animal colony or veterinary hospital involving direct animal care and maintenance. Experience must be within the last ten (10) years and include all of the following:
  • Working with animals in an ambassador setting, including handling and presenting in a show setting
  • Observation of animal behaviors,
  • Preparation and feeding of animal diets,
  • Preparation and maintenance of detailed animal records, and
  • Maintenance of sanitary animal living conditions.
  • Training animals using operant conditioning with positive reinforcement.
  • Creating goal-based enrichment items.
• Customer service skills sufficient to work with co-workers and guests courteously and respectfully.
• Ability to interpret technical literature that relates to the health and management of animals.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education, Ecology or closely related field.
• Experience working with and caring for animals at an AZA accredited Zoo or aquarium including preparing diets, feeding animals, maintaining sanitary animal living conditions, observing animal behavior, and maintaining animal records.
• Experience interpreting animal behavior and providing species specific information to guests
• Open water SCUBA certification or equivalent
• Current CPR and 1st AID certification

Physical Requirements

• Current Rabies vaccination and negative TB or ability to become Rabies vaccinated and complete a negative TB test
• Exposure to some zoonotic diseases and potent immobilization agents/drugs for treatment of animals
• Exposure to a wide variety of pesticides and potentially dangerous equipment and machinery on a regular basis
• Ability to differentiate colors
• Ability to routinely work with potentially dangerous domestic animals
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year round
• Ability to negotiate all types of terrain
• Ability to use hand/finger coordination to manipulate items and operate hand and/or power tools
• Ability to lift, carry and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to lift and move large objects as a team over uneven terrain
• Ability to push/pull up to 90 pounds
• Ability to shovel to clean animal areas and work areas
• Ability to bend and crouch occasionally throughout the day
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders occasionally throughout the day
• Ability to tolerate loud noises regularly throughout the day
• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time throughout the day
• Ability to wear N95 face masks/respirators
• Ability to grip 34 pounds to operate power washer intermittently for up to 60 minutes

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

• Employment Verification Check
• Criminal Background Check including fingerprinting
• Driver's License Check

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Elizabeth Lefholz at elizabeth.lefholz@state.mn.us or 952-431-9255.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Elizabeth Lefholz at elizabeth.lefholz@state.mn.us.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.