About the Akron Zoo

The Akron Zoo has experienced remarkable success over the last two decades with tremendous attendance growth, strong financial sustainability, and an enviable record of repeated AZA accreditation certifications. This coupled with overwhelming community support demonstrated by the repeated passing of tax levy campaigns, which provide annual funding towards the Zoo’s operating and capital needs.

The Zoo is poised for continued growth and development having just completed new strategic, master, and conservation plans that outline several important projects including a new $25M+ African exhibit expansion which will add giraffe to the collection, a new animal hospital and increased resources directed to new conservation programs.

Job Description

With that as a canvas, the Akron Zoo is looking for a Mammal Swing Wild Animal Keeper who will be responsible for the overall care and welfare of the animals and spaces assigned to them. The Mammal Swing Wild Animal Keeper will be trained on multiple applicable routines on the Mammal Half provided they are qualified to be trained on those routines. Experience working with Dangerous Animals is strongly preferred. Each Mammal Swing Wild Animal Keeper will be scheduled to work on one or more routines each week depending upon the needs of the Zoo. The Swing Wild Animal Keeper may support the teams by assisting with projects rather than routines, as needed, or can be assigned to a routine so a different keeper can be assigned to a project. Each Swing Wild Animal Keeper will be expected to keep up to date with the status of the routines that they are trained. They will need to communicate well with other animal care staff both verbally and in written form so that they may fill the gap and maintain consistent quality care for the animals even when the Principal Keeper is off.

This position is full-time, 40-hours per week, Non-Exempt, Collective Bargaining position with benefits. Hourly rate ranges from $17.15-$19.65 (based on experience as per union contract). Candidates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a mature attitude, and a strong conservation ethic. Candidate must be able to complete physical work which includes climbing and walking on uneven terrain; entering and wading into pools; climbing hills, stairs and ladders; wearing PPE; lifting up to 50 lbs.; and working outside in all weather conditions.

A four-year degree is strongly preferred; a minimum of an Associate’s degree or equivalent is required. A minimum of six months of animal care experience at an AZA accredited facility is required; also, a minimum of three years of progressive work experience is strongly preferred. Must be available weekends, holidays, and for a flexible schedule and must be able to meet all other requirements of the job.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, this employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by his/her immediate supervisor. The Akron Zoo reserves the right to revise and change job duties as business requirements dictate.

The Akron Zoo is a Drug-Free Workplace and an EOE.