Exotics Permanent Part-time Zookeeper

The Dakota Zoo:

The Dakota Zoo is an AZA and ZAA accredited facility located in Bismarck, North Dakota. This 90-acre facility houses around 400 mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish representing 125 species. The Dakota Zoo participates in over 16 Species Survival Plan programs for endangered or threatened species and has served as a rehabilitation facility for injured and orphaned raptors for over 50 years. The Dakota Zoo is proud to be involved with numerous conservation initiatives both locally and globally.

Nature of Work

This person is supervised by the full-time Exotics Zookeepers and Senior Keeper and indirectly supervised by the Staff Supervisor, Assistant Director, and Zoo Director. This individual assists with daily zookeeping activities of the Exotics Section. This person also serves as a relief zookeeper as needed, covering for their area zookeepers who are on vacation, on a leave of absence, etc.

This position works primarily with the zoo’s primates, penguins, gators, Discovery Center reptiles, waterfowl, macaw, emu, wallaby, muntjac, and other miscellaneous taxa.

Job Responsibilities

• Assists with daily zookeeping activities which includes feeding, cleaning, assessing welfare, documenting observations, animal enrichment, and all other aspects of animal care at the Dakota Zoo.
• Performs other duties as assigned which includes but is not limited to general maintenance of exhibits and grounds, maintenance of equipment, maintaining animal food supplies, assisting in medical duties and other miscellaneous tasks.
• Assists area keepers as needed with behavioral training per the discretion of the team.
• Provides relief for keeper absences as needed and takes on all responsibilities of that keeper during their time of leave. This includes all basic animal care, extra assigned duties, additional cleaning tasks, diet management, team communication, etc.
• Continues to develop knowledge of animals at our facility and shares this information with other staff, public, and volunteers. Participates in keeper chats, zoo camps, animal encounters, local conservation, and other miscellaneous education opportunities.
• Willing to be a positive team player and continues to maintain and build strong communication with coworkers and managers.

Desirable Education, Experience and Qualifications

• Degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field preferred.
• Ability to serve as a positive, energetic, and supportive co-worker.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to work with a team.
• Experience with and knowledge of animal husbandry practices, including enrichment and recordkeeping, preferable from an AZA or ZAA accredited facility.
• Experience with and knowledge of primates, penguins, or reptiles, preferable from an AZA or ZAA accredited facility.
• Displays a professional attitude and appearance to visitors, volunteers, and co-workers.
• Possession of a valid North Dakota driver’s license, or ability to gain within 3 months.

Special Provisions for Permanent Part-time Positions

• This position is 25 hours/week year-round. The schedule is Thursday-Monday (8am-1pm). Exceptions may occur when covering shifts for other keeper staff, holidays, and other days as needed.
• There will be opportunities for working in other areas of the zoo as a supplemental income (admissions/gift shop/concessions), especially May through September.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, employment application (found on the Dakota Zoo website), and three references to Allison Malkowski, Assistant Director, at [email protected].