Zookeeper - Herpetology
Association Of Zoos & Aquariums, Tucson, AZ, United States
Reid Park Zoological Society
The Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona is seeking a Zoo Keeper for our newly created Herpetology Team, in preparation for the Zoo's
Pathway to Asia
expansion opening in late 2026!
Overview
This position will be joining the Herpetology team to care for all the reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish in the zoo including Komodo Dragons, giant tortoises, reticulated python, American Alligator and numerous other species as well as a small number of birds and mammals. The successful candidate will be hard‑working, detail‑oriented, and committed to progressive animal care and welfare and maintaining a positive culture of openness, trust, and respect. Animal care includes behavioral observations, positive reinforcement training, enrichment, cleaning, and engaging with the welfare committee and the supervisory and vet teams to ensure excellent animal welfare. The Keeper will be responsible for daily record keeping, including daily reports, medication logs, welfare tracking, enrichment records, animal training records, and area notes. The Keeper will work in various animal areas with multiple taxa.
Reports To:
Assistant Curator
General
Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
Performs duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
Provides excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures
Animal Care
Daily cleaning associated with the animal night house, habitat, and visitor viewing area
Husbandry care for the animals in the area (feeding, medicating, training, enriching, and care specific to the species)
Completes reports, including but not limited to daily animal reports, enrichment logs, water quality logs, training logs, medication logs, animal incident reports, etc.
Develops & implements enrichment activities for animals following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols
Trains utilizing positive reinforcement to aid in animal management & promote visitor education
Monitors animal welfare and reports concerns to supervisor
Follows all animal care protocols and policies
Communication
Participates in formal presentations, e.g. Keeper talks, special events, behind-the-scenes tours, etc.
Health & Safety
Assists in the capture and/or physical/chemical restraint & transportation of animals
Participates in emergency drills
Responds to animal emergencies following approved protocols
Administrative Functions
Completes all animal records in a variety of software programs, including Animal Care Software, ZIMS, etc.
Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
Associate’s degree in a biological science, animal, or zoology‑related program, plus two years’ paid wildlife care experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience, with approval from the Animal Care Director
Successfully completes pre‑hire background check and pre‑employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
Complies with quarterly random drug testing if selected
Proof of negative TB test within immediate past 12 months, OR complete a pre‑hire TB test (company paid) to be renewed annually
Completes all training as required
Participates in emergency drills
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships, at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors and the public
Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast‑paced, public/guest attraction‑focused environment
Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, act or change direction as needed
Regular physical attendance at work
Reliable and able to work to a schedule
Must be able to work a flexible work schedule, including weekends and occasional evenings
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds often
Bend, stoop, kneel, reach frequently
Stand and walk for long periods of time
Repetitious motions with hands
Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
Must be able to work outside in either cold or hot weather conditions the majority of the time
Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
Additional years of experience working in an AZA‑accredited zoo facility or other park or public attraction environment strongly preferred
Skilled with breeding, handling, capture, and restraint of a variety of reptiles and amphibians
Bilingual (any language, including ASL)
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Human Resources Dept.
Experience Required
Associate’s degree in a biological science, animal, or zoology‑related program, plus two years’ paid wildlife care experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience, with approval from the Animal Care Director
Full benefits, zoo membership, concession and gift shop discounts
$17.67 to $20.69 per hour
How to Apply
Reid Park Zoological Society
1030 S Randolph Way
Tucson, AZ 85716
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona is seeking a Zoo Keeper for our newly created Herpetology Team, in preparation for the Zoo's
Pathway to Asia
expansion opening in late 2026!
Overview
This position will be joining the Herpetology team to care for all the reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish in the zoo including Komodo Dragons, giant tortoises, reticulated python, American Alligator and numerous other species as well as a small number of birds and mammals. The successful candidate will be hard‑working, detail‑oriented, and committed to progressive animal care and welfare and maintaining a positive culture of openness, trust, and respect. Animal care includes behavioral observations, positive reinforcement training, enrichment, cleaning, and engaging with the welfare committee and the supervisory and vet teams to ensure excellent animal welfare. The Keeper will be responsible for daily record keeping, including daily reports, medication logs, welfare tracking, enrichment records, animal training records, and area notes. The Keeper will work in various animal areas with multiple taxa.
Reports To:
Assistant Curator
General
Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
Performs duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
Provides excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures
Animal Care
Daily cleaning associated with the animal night house, habitat, and visitor viewing area
Husbandry care for the animals in the area (feeding, medicating, training, enriching, and care specific to the species)
Completes reports, including but not limited to daily animal reports, enrichment logs, water quality logs, training logs, medication logs, animal incident reports, etc.
Develops & implements enrichment activities for animals following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols
Trains utilizing positive reinforcement to aid in animal management & promote visitor education
Monitors animal welfare and reports concerns to supervisor
Follows all animal care protocols and policies
Communication
Participates in formal presentations, e.g. Keeper talks, special events, behind-the-scenes tours, etc.
Health & Safety
Assists in the capture and/or physical/chemical restraint & transportation of animals
Participates in emergency drills
Responds to animal emergencies following approved protocols
Administrative Functions
Completes all animal records in a variety of software programs, including Animal Care Software, ZIMS, etc.
Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
Associate’s degree in a biological science, animal, or zoology‑related program, plus two years’ paid wildlife care experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience, with approval from the Animal Care Director
Successfully completes pre‑hire background check and pre‑employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
Complies with quarterly random drug testing if selected
Proof of negative TB test within immediate past 12 months, OR complete a pre‑hire TB test (company paid) to be renewed annually
Completes all training as required
Participates in emergency drills
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships, at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors and the public
Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast‑paced, public/guest attraction‑focused environment
Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, act or change direction as needed
Regular physical attendance at work
Reliable and able to work to a schedule
Must be able to work a flexible work schedule, including weekends and occasional evenings
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds often
Bend, stoop, kneel, reach frequently
Stand and walk for long periods of time
Repetitious motions with hands
Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
Must be able to work outside in either cold or hot weather conditions the majority of the time
Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
Additional years of experience working in an AZA‑accredited zoo facility or other park or public attraction environment strongly preferred
Skilled with breeding, handling, capture, and restraint of a variety of reptiles and amphibians
Bilingual (any language, including ASL)
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Human Resources Dept.
Experience Required
Associate’s degree in a biological science, animal, or zoology‑related program, plus two years’ paid wildlife care experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience, with approval from the Animal Care Director
Full benefits, zoo membership, concession and gift shop discounts
$17.67 to $20.69 per hour
How to Apply
Reid Park Zoological Society
1030 S Randolph Way
Tucson, AZ 85716
#J-18808-Ljbffr