Zookeeper - Aviary Full-time, Hourly Hourly Pay Range: $21.08 - $31.60
Closing Date: 1/11/2026 or upon receipt the first 50 applications
Job Summary: The Zookeeper role maintains and enhances the welfare of the Zoo animal population in accordance with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) advanced standards for professional animal care. Responsible for the daily care of Zoo animals, their enclosures, surroundings and support facilities, daily reporting of assigned areas and specimens, public engagement and education, as well as animal conservation and research. Incumbents must have a strong foundation in husbandry, training and a commitment to positive, collaborative team relationships.
Essential Responsibilities
Animal Care & Health - Provide the daily care to maintain and enhance the welfare of the Zoo animal population. Order, prepare, and present approved diets. Observe, evaluate, record and report animal activities, behavior and physical condition with consideration of patterns and natural history. Ensure the tidiness, hygiene, and maintenance of animal enclosures. Collaborate with the veterinary team to promote animal health and nutrition. Train, manually restrain, capture and/or transport animals to facilitate medical procedures. Administer approved medications and treatments as prescribed. Behavioral Husbandry & Welfare - Facilitate and participate in animal training and enrichment programs in alignment with established targets for species behavior and wellbeing. Perform welfare assessments for assigned animal population in accordance with established standards. Facilities Management - Ensure the tidiness, hygiene, and maintenance of service areas and surroundings. Operate and maintain animal life-support systems and environmental controls. Identify and report maintenance and pest control needs. Administration & Records - Report and maintain daily records (e.g., animal feeding habits, diets, breeding behavior, health status, physical conditions, enrichment and training) for quality control and preservation in the Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS). Complete and maintain copies of work orders and other records regarding the operation and use of the animal area facilities. Professional Collaboration - Establish a positive rapport within mission-parallel professional organizations by participating in associated conferences and training opportunities. Collaborate with other Zoos, researchers, and wildlife organizations to advance the Zoo's mission and animal programs. Serve as the Zoo's Institutional Representative for AZA breeding programs and participate in program leadership as practicable. Public Engagement - Proactively engage with volunteers and visitors to enhance their experiences. Conduct formal and informal public presentations including animal care, natural history, conservation and research. Assist in the training of educators, tour guides and volunteers. Maintain positive, collaborative relationships with maintenance, grounds, creative, and all other Zoo departments. Other Duties as Assigned - Examples include but are not limited to; serve on animal emergency response team, provide backup coverage for animal commissary operations, support security and safety programs, serve on committees and parallel teams. Ability to safely and properly operate: County vehicles, snow blowers, skid loaders, pressure washers, bicycles, firearms, hand tools, power tools, general office equipment, and laboratory equipment.
Minimum Requirements
Authorized to work in the United States. Possession of a valid United States Driver's License. Valid State of Wisconsin Driver's license must be obtained within 6 months of employment. Bachelor's degree or higher in Animal Biology, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Biological Sciences or closely related field, and one (1) year or more of professional animal care at an accredited Zoo facility. In lieu of a Bachelor's Degree in a related field, five (5) total years of professional animal care at an accredited Zoo facility are required. Basic knowledge of all related computer and software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets. Ability to lift and carry up to 75 lbs.; ability to push and pull up to 25 lbs. Basic knowledge of Zoological Information Management Systems (ZIMS) within 6 months.
NOTE: This Original application is open to qualified residents of the United States. Appointee must establish Wisconsin State residency within six (6) months of starting date. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.
APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION
Closing Date: 1/11/2026 or upon receipt the first 50 applications
Job Summary: The Zookeeper role maintains and enhances the welfare of the Zoo animal population in accordance with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) advanced standards for professional animal care. Responsible for the daily care of Zoo animals, their enclosures, surroundings and support facilities, daily reporting of assigned areas and specimens, public engagement and education, as well as animal conservation and research. Incumbents must have a strong foundation in husbandry, training and a commitment to positive, collaborative team relationships.
Essential Responsibilities
Animal Care & Health - Provide the daily care to maintain and enhance the welfare of the Zoo animal population. Order, prepare, and present approved diets. Observe, evaluate, record and report animal activities, behavior and physical condition with consideration of patterns and natural history. Ensure the tidiness, hygiene, and maintenance of animal enclosures. Collaborate with the veterinary team to promote animal health and nutrition. Train, manually restrain, capture and/or transport animals to facilitate medical procedures. Administer approved medications and treatments as prescribed. Behavioral Husbandry & Welfare - Facilitate and participate in animal training and enrichment programs in alignment with established targets for species behavior and wellbeing. Perform welfare assessments for assigned animal population in accordance with established standards. Facilities Management - Ensure the tidiness, hygiene, and maintenance of service areas and surroundings. Operate and maintain animal life-support systems and environmental controls. Identify and report maintenance and pest control needs. Administration & Records - Report and maintain daily records (e.g., animal feeding habits, diets, breeding behavior, health status, physical conditions, enrichment and training) for quality control and preservation in the Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS). Complete and maintain copies of work orders and other records regarding the operation and use of the animal area facilities. Professional Collaboration - Establish a positive rapport within mission-parallel professional organizations by participating in associated conferences and training opportunities. Collaborate with other Zoos, researchers, and wildlife organizations to advance the Zoo's mission and animal programs. Serve as the Zoo's Institutional Representative for AZA breeding programs and participate in program leadership as practicable. Public Engagement - Proactively engage with volunteers and visitors to enhance their experiences. Conduct formal and informal public presentations including animal care, natural history, conservation and research. Assist in the training of educators, tour guides and volunteers. Maintain positive, collaborative relationships with maintenance, grounds, creative, and all other Zoo departments. Other Duties as Assigned - Examples include but are not limited to; serve on animal emergency response team, provide backup coverage for animal commissary operations, support security and safety programs, serve on committees and parallel teams. Ability to safely and properly operate: County vehicles, snow blowers, skid loaders, pressure washers, bicycles, firearms, hand tools, power tools, general office equipment, and laboratory equipment.
Minimum Requirements
Authorized to work in the United States. Possession of a valid United States Driver's License. Valid State of Wisconsin Driver's license must be obtained within 6 months of employment. Bachelor's degree or higher in Animal Biology, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Biological Sciences or closely related field, and one (1) year or more of professional animal care at an accredited Zoo facility. In lieu of a Bachelor's Degree in a related field, five (5) total years of professional animal care at an accredited Zoo facility are required. Basic knowledge of all related computer and software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets. Ability to lift and carry up to 75 lbs.; ability to push and pull up to 25 lbs. Basic knowledge of Zoological Information Management Systems (ZIMS) within 6 months.
NOTE: This Original application is open to qualified residents of the United States. Appointee must establish Wisconsin State residency within six (6) months of starting date. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.
APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION
About the company
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Milwaukee County at a glance:
Interested in working in the public sector? Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Visit our career opportunities listings below to view current openings.
Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Employees are committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.
Milwaukee County is an equal opportunity employer that encourages and welcomes diversity in our workforce.