Association Of Zoos & Aquariums
Keeper II/Senior - Relief
Association Of Zoos & Aquariums, Phoenix, Arizona, United States, 85003
Position Overview
The Phoenix Zoo, the only AZA‑accredited zoo in the Valley, is a non‑profit zoological park serving nearly 1.4 million guests annually. It is home to more than 3,000 animals, many endangered or threatened species, and is committed to wildlife and habitat conservation.
FLSA Status Full Time, Regular, Non‑exempt
Supervisor Collection Manager of assigned area
Starting Pay Rates • (Information not provided; contact hiring manager)
Application Deadline 01/08/2026
Relief Keeper – Responsibilities The Relief Keeper routinely rotates among all Living Collection areas, including Nutrition Services, Equine/Farm, Hoofstock, Primates, Carnivores, Birds, and Ectotherms. Responsibilities include:
Ensuring the safety, health, and well‑being of all assigned animals through documented husbandry practices.
Performing routine husbandry: feeding prescribed diets, monitoring diet consumption, reporting health or behavioral abnormalities, and assisting veterinary staff with health monitoring and assessment.
Supporting specialised programs such as venomous animal and large reptile handling, captive reproduction, and behavioural enrichment.
Maintaining facilities: reporting structural or mechanical issues and working with maintenance staff.
Handling animal emergencies in accordance with approved protocols.
Participating in non‑routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, introductions/breeding, restraint and treatment of animals, and medication of specimens.
Monitoring the public to ensure safety of guests and animals.
Collaborating with departments to support designated public experiences, including Special Events, Group Services, Marketing, and PR events.
Initiating guest engagement by developing and conducting interactive animal programs.
Senior Keeper – Responsibilities The Senior Keeper performs similar duties with added leadership responsibilities:
Schedules and trains assigned staff while providing leadership and mentorship.
Develops and maintains animal management protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Acts as principal training coordinator for new staff and volunteers.
Provides leadership in animal emergency situations.
Participates in zoo‑related committees and contributes to the development of approved animal training procedures.
Assists in the development and implementation of behavioural enrichment initiatives.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent experience strongly preferred.
High school diploma required.
Minimum 2 years paid experience relevant to animal husbandry in an AZA‑accredited institution or related facility.
Behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning experience preferred.
Knowledge in animal nutrition, public engagement and communication, facility maintenance.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in extreme weather conditions.
Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Ability to pass pre‑employment background check, drug test, DMV check, and clear annual TB test.
Benefits The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation offers a wide range of benefits for qualified employees, including:
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Coverage (Domestic Partnership Benefits Available)
Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Voluntary Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Sick Leave (PSL)
401(k) Plan with Match
Phoenix Zoo Membership
Employee WILD Rewards Program and Service Awards
Employee Cultural Exchange Program
Tuition Reimbursement Program (for qualified courses)
Outside Vendor Discounts
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FLSA Status Full Time, Regular, Non‑exempt
Supervisor Collection Manager of assigned area
Starting Pay Rates • (Information not provided; contact hiring manager)
Application Deadline 01/08/2026
Relief Keeper – Responsibilities The Relief Keeper routinely rotates among all Living Collection areas, including Nutrition Services, Equine/Farm, Hoofstock, Primates, Carnivores, Birds, and Ectotherms. Responsibilities include:
Ensuring the safety, health, and well‑being of all assigned animals through documented husbandry practices.
Performing routine husbandry: feeding prescribed diets, monitoring diet consumption, reporting health or behavioral abnormalities, and assisting veterinary staff with health monitoring and assessment.
Supporting specialised programs such as venomous animal and large reptile handling, captive reproduction, and behavioural enrichment.
Maintaining facilities: reporting structural or mechanical issues and working with maintenance staff.
Handling animal emergencies in accordance with approved protocols.
Participating in non‑routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, introductions/breeding, restraint and treatment of animals, and medication of specimens.
Monitoring the public to ensure safety of guests and animals.
Collaborating with departments to support designated public experiences, including Special Events, Group Services, Marketing, and PR events.
Initiating guest engagement by developing and conducting interactive animal programs.
Senior Keeper – Responsibilities The Senior Keeper performs similar duties with added leadership responsibilities:
Schedules and trains assigned staff while providing leadership and mentorship.
Develops and maintains animal management protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Acts as principal training coordinator for new staff and volunteers.
Provides leadership in animal emergency situations.
Participates in zoo‑related committees and contributes to the development of approved animal training procedures.
Assists in the development and implementation of behavioural enrichment initiatives.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or equivalent experience strongly preferred.
High school diploma required.
Minimum 2 years paid experience relevant to animal husbandry in an AZA‑accredited institution or related facility.
Behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning experience preferred.
Knowledge in animal nutrition, public engagement and communication, facility maintenance.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in extreme weather conditions.
Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Ability to pass pre‑employment background check, drug test, DMV check, and clear annual TB test.
Benefits The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation offers a wide range of benefits for qualified employees, including:
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Coverage (Domestic Partnership Benefits Available)
Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Voluntary Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Sick Leave (PSL)
401(k) Plan with Match
Phoenix Zoo Membership
Employee WILD Rewards Program and Service Awards
Employee Cultural Exchange Program
Tuition Reimbursement Program (for qualified courses)
Outside Vendor Discounts
#J-18808-Ljbffr