Zoo Keeper II

Lead Keeper

Recruitment #041922-MGAH05-400300

Introduction

The Brandywine Zoo is managed by Delaware State Parks with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society. This quaint facility is home to a variety of species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Click here to learn more about the Brandywine Zoo!

Summary Statement

Lead Keeper position is responsible for high levels of general care and welfare of zoo animals including cleaning and maintaining exhibits and zoo facilities, training and enrichment of the animal collection, landscaping, exhibit security and assisting with educational programming. Maintains high standards of care for all animals within the zoo by following U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Brandywine Zoo policies.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Cares for, feeds and handles wild/exotic animals.

  • Performs work in compliance with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards. 

  • Observes the medical and behavioral condition of animals and reports conditions; and observes or assists with medical procedures.  

  • Administers medications orally and through subcutaneous and intramuscular injections.

  • Ensures clean and maintained animal exhibits. and facilities. 

  • Ensures appropriate grounds and equipment maintenance.

  • Responds to visitor questions and educates visitors about the care and handling of animals including keeper talks and other public education presentations. 

  • Ensures physical safety of zoo and guests.

  • Writes articles on animals for publications and social media.

  • Uses computer software and/or automated information systems to track animal behavior, diets, medical data and other information on animals.

  • Collects and shares animal management data, presents academic papers and maintains and compiles records and reports.

  • Performs special projects for the zoo.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Zoo Keeper II
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  1. Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, Zoo Animal Science or related field.
  2. One year of experience in caring for animals in an animal facility or zoo setting.
  3. One year of experience in record keeping.
  4. One year of experience in ensuring compliance with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies or procedures.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

As a condition of hire you must possess a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Applicants must provide proof of negative Tuberculosis test within the last 12 months before start date.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at Delaware State Jobs.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.