Association Of Zoos & Aquariums
The Red River Zoo is currently recruiting to fill one (1) full‑time benefited vacancy (Zookeeper III). We are seeking highly motivated, personable individuals with strong leadership skills and innovative ideas to become part of a dynamic team of employees with a strong commitment to providing excellent care for our animal collection and positive experiences for our visitors.
General Description Key Duties and Responsibilities (Zookeeper III):
Follow established animal husbandry protocols.
Ensure animal habitats are cleaned daily and maintained for optimal health and safety of animal collection, and in accordance with USDA and AZA requirements.
Daily inspection of assigned areas.
Ensure exhibits provide a positive and professional public appearance.
Provide for animals’ dietary needs based on protocols established by the General Curator and the Attending Veterinarian.
Incorporate enrichment program into daily animal care and record enrichment activities in daily log.
Incorporate operant conditioning program into daily animal care per policy.
Daily observation for detection and prevention of disease.
Observe and interpret changes in animal behavior and other indicators of health and welfare and record these using ZIMS and notify appropriate staff.
Identify safety concerns for animals, staff, or the public and report them properly.
Clean and maintain the zoo commissary, food storage areas such as hay barn or supply rooms, and shared office areas; assist with unloading supplies from delivery trucks.
Supervise volunteers and interns as directed.
Represent Red River Zoo in a professional manner.
Make recommendations and share ideas for improvement with the General Curator.
Manage time efficiently.
Maintain lawn and landscaping within animal exhibits; safely operate lawn and maintenance equipment; assist horticulture staff with landscaping outside of animal exhibits.
Perform other duties as assigned by the zoo management team on specific departmental needs or zoo‑wide needs and responsibilities, working collaboratively with other zoo staff and departments.
Assist with tours and events as directed.
Make minor exhibit repairs and improvements.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology or related field preferred but not required.
Minimum of one year of full‑time or two years part‑time paid experience in a zoological setting or non‑domestic animal care experience working with a diverse taxa; AZA accredited facility preferred.
Knowledge of current animal husbandry and welfare best practices.
Knowledge of current animal habitat care and practices.
Knowledge and experience in creating and implementing enrichment and operant conditioning.
Demonstrates professionalism and maturity at all times.
Proper interpretive techniques to relay information to visiting public.
Additional Requirements
Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
Must have good physical strength and endurance including the ability to lift, move and transport up to 60 lbs.
Able and willing to work outside in all weather conditions.
Must be able to work from heights or in confined spaces and have ability to ascend, descend and work from and around stairs and ladders.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Why Choose the Red River Zoo? The Red River Zoo offers a collaborative, team-focused environment where zookeepers work closely with one another, leadership, and veterinary staff. As a small but highly effective team, individual contributions are visible, valued, and impactful. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth and advancement through training, mentoring, and expanded responsibilities, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance options, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Direct access to supervisors and leadership supports clear communication, teamwork, and shared goals.
How to Apply To apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter to Nicole Lee, General Curator, at tnlee@redriverzoo.org.
Red River Zoo 4255 23rd Ave South Fargo, ND 58104
#J-18808-Ljbffr
General Description Key Duties and Responsibilities (Zookeeper III):
Follow established animal husbandry protocols.
Ensure animal habitats are cleaned daily and maintained for optimal health and safety of animal collection, and in accordance with USDA and AZA requirements.
Daily inspection of assigned areas.
Ensure exhibits provide a positive and professional public appearance.
Provide for animals’ dietary needs based on protocols established by the General Curator and the Attending Veterinarian.
Incorporate enrichment program into daily animal care and record enrichment activities in daily log.
Incorporate operant conditioning program into daily animal care per policy.
Daily observation for detection and prevention of disease.
Observe and interpret changes in animal behavior and other indicators of health and welfare and record these using ZIMS and notify appropriate staff.
Identify safety concerns for animals, staff, or the public and report them properly.
Clean and maintain the zoo commissary, food storage areas such as hay barn or supply rooms, and shared office areas; assist with unloading supplies from delivery trucks.
Supervise volunteers and interns as directed.
Represent Red River Zoo in a professional manner.
Make recommendations and share ideas for improvement with the General Curator.
Manage time efficiently.
Maintain lawn and landscaping within animal exhibits; safely operate lawn and maintenance equipment; assist horticulture staff with landscaping outside of animal exhibits.
Perform other duties as assigned by the zoo management team on specific departmental needs or zoo‑wide needs and responsibilities, working collaboratively with other zoo staff and departments.
Assist with tours and events as directed.
Make minor exhibit repairs and improvements.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology or related field preferred but not required.
Minimum of one year of full‑time or two years part‑time paid experience in a zoological setting or non‑domestic animal care experience working with a diverse taxa; AZA accredited facility preferred.
Knowledge of current animal husbandry and welfare best practices.
Knowledge of current animal habitat care and practices.
Knowledge and experience in creating and implementing enrichment and operant conditioning.
Demonstrates professionalism and maturity at all times.
Proper interpretive techniques to relay information to visiting public.
Additional Requirements
Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
Must have good physical strength and endurance including the ability to lift, move and transport up to 60 lbs.
Able and willing to work outside in all weather conditions.
Must be able to work from heights or in confined spaces and have ability to ascend, descend and work from and around stairs and ladders.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Why Choose the Red River Zoo? The Red River Zoo offers a collaborative, team-focused environment where zookeepers work closely with one another, leadership, and veterinary staff. As a small but highly effective team, individual contributions are visible, valued, and impactful. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth and advancement through training, mentoring, and expanded responsibilities, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance options, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Direct access to supervisors and leadership supports clear communication, teamwork, and shared goals.
How to Apply To apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter to Nicole Lee, General Curator, at tnlee@redriverzoo.org.
Red River Zoo 4255 23rd Ave South Fargo, ND 58104
#J-18808-Ljbffr