Animal Keeper (Temporary)

Woodland Park ZooWoodland Park ZooAnimal Keeper (Temporary)SALARY & FLSA: $33.49 per hour; FLSA non-exempt$33.49 - $38.25. The starting rate for this role is $33.49. Every employee under the Joint Crafts Council wage scale, on first appointment, will receive the first step of the salary range for the position. Employees will advance to the second step at the start of the pay period after their one-year anniversary in the job classification and each milestone thereafter (3 years, 6 years, 11 years, and 17 years of service) with Step 6 being the maximum pay rate.OPENING DATE: 03/20/2026CLOSING DATE: 04/10/2026 This position may close early if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.JOB TYPE: Seasonal, TemporaryUNION: RepresentedOPENINGS: 5LOCATION: OnsiteDEPARTMENT: Animal ManagementThis position averages 40 hours per week, 5 days a week, and is anticipated to last until the end of October 2026. This position may end earlier or extend due to operational needs.4 positions will focus on general keeper duties1 position will focus on Ambassador AnimalsHOW DO YOU ZOO?More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what's at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, "To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives." Apply today and show us how you zoo.WHO YOU AREAs our new Temporary Animal Keeper, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:* You bring hands-on animal care experience and sound judgment - Through related experience and training, you support daily husbandry, animal welfare, and safe operations with care, consistency, and attention to detail.* You're adaptable, dependable, and ready to respond - You're comfortable with on-call responsibilities and working evenings, weekends, and holidays, and you consistently show up prepared to meet the needs of animals and the team.* You're a clear communicator and practical problem-solver - You can read and interpret scientific and technical information, respond professionally to visitor or media inquiries, and share information clearly with coworkers and leadership.* You're mission-driven and values-centered - You demonstrate a strong commitment to the zoo's mission and Core Values, bringing professionalism, respect, and integrity to your work every day.YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIESPlan, prepare, and conduct public presentations on animal care and conservation.Assess animals daily to ensure they are properly cared for and secured.Observe animal behavior, report abnormal behavior patterns and provide technical advice to colleagues and managers.Prepare food for and feed assigned animals according to approved diet plans.Clean and disinfect assigned animal and exhibit areas.Follow treatment plans and preventive health programs as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarian or Zoo Curators.Participate in the capture and restraint of animals.Implement animal care procedures and policies, including record keeping.Support special animal care activities such as physical examinations, exhibit repairs and modifications.Assist in development and implementation of behavioral husbandry program.Participate in exhibit design process and implementation.Represent the Woodland Park Zoo to the media.Conduct behind-the-scenes tours.BENEFITSThe Woodland Park Zoo offers temporary staff the following benefits:4 complimentary Zoo tickets per year plus other discounts and perksAccrue 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked403(b) Retirement PlanFree staff parkingEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)SELECTION PROCESSApplication: Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant successfully complete a: driving record review, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment tuberculosis test.Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.Experience RequiredQUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in a life sciences field from an accredited four-year college or university; and two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.Salary$33.49 per hour; FLSA non-exemptHow to ApplyAPPLY HERE: Animal Keeper (Temporary) | Zoo CareersWoodland Park Zoo5500 PHINNEY AVE NSeattle, WA 98107Fax: Woodland Park ZooVisit our website@Woodland Park ZooLike us on Facebook