North Carolina Zoo · North Carolina · posted 43 days ago
Zookeeper - Asia Mammals Join the North Carolina Zoo during an exciting period of growth as we prepare for the opening of Asia! The North Carolina Zoo is seeking to hire multiple, talented and enthusiastic team members to join our Animal Section. We are looking to fill Zookeeper positions in 7 different areas - • Asia herps - New Asia development encompassing variety of reptiles/amphibians species including Chinese giant salamander, Komodo dragon and King Cobra. • Asia mammals - New Asia development encompassing Malayan tiger, Asian small-clawed otter, white-cheeked gibbon, and warty pigs • Avian - Consists of a variety of avian species housed between three areas: Asia Avian Habitats (3), Avian Propagation building (off habitat) and Avian Barn building (off habitat). • Desert - Desert dome building encompassing a wide diversity of reptiles/amphibians, birds, and mammal species • Elephant – African elephants • Rocky Coast - Horned Puffins, Arctic Fox, North American Porcupine, Brown Pelican, and Polar Bear • Swamp - Reptiles, Amphibians, Owl, and Cougars In addition to a rewarding work environment, Zookeepers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of conservation initiatives, involvement in Zoo committees, and other professional development opportunities. The Zoo is centrally located on a beautiful 500+ acre site in the heart of the North Carolina Piedmont plateau region and the Uwharrie Mountains. Multiple hiking trails are located on property with quick access to the Piedmont Triad cities, Appalachian Mountains, and coastal towns providing the opportunity for a positive, work-life balance. Key Responsibilities: • Provide daily care of animal collection, maintenance of animal habitats and holding areas. • Conduct systematic observation and monitoring of animal health, behavior and welfare. • Interact with zoo guests in formal and informal setting. • Work as a team to develop and implement holistic behavioral management program which utilizes positive reinforcement training, behavior-based enrichment variability, and utilizing research to provide a dynamic environment for optimal animal welfare. • Ensure thorough and accurate animal records are maintained • Be an active, productive member of the team to ensure highest quality of animal care and welfare, problem solve issues and engage in decision making processes. • May be assigned to work with other animal species in other work units as needed. WE ARE RECRUITING FOR MULTIPLE VACANCIES. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date. To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred: Demonstrated hands-on animal care experience at an AZA accredited zoo or related facility Demonstrated experience with record keeping and comfort utilizing computers. Keen observation skills to discern and interpret subtle changes in health, condition and behavior of animals, and to monitor breeding activity. Proven communication skills to include guest interactions, public speaking, reporting, and or team interactions. Experience with positive reinforcement-based operant conditioning and environmental enrichment. Position/Physical Requirements Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider. Work schedule - between the hours of 7:30am - 5:30pm, 8 - 9 hour shifts (seasonally dependent) Must be able to work a rotating schedule that involves working weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts. Position is considered "Essential/Mandatory Staff" requiring work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies. Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program. Must be able to capture, handle and restrain live exotic and potentially dangerous animals and use associated capture equipment. Must have the ability to perform strenuous physical work with alertness to surroundings in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments with or without a reasonable accommodation. Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation. Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment. SCUBA certification (minimum of Open Water) from a certified organization such as PADI, NAUI, or SSI OR ability to obtain certification within 1 year of hire AND must pass a SCUBA dive physical. (applies to Rocky Coast only) This position is located at: 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205 Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, natural sciences or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution AND one year of experience working in a zoo-based or related animal care facility; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Application Process Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. • Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. • Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers. • Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application. The hiring process may take several weeks. • Applicants are unable to submit more than one application to an individual posting. Only one application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on the night prior to the closing date. Closing date: Sept 2, 2026
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