The North Carolina Zoo is seeking an enthusiastic team member to be part of its Zebra, Ostrich and Giraffe work unit. Animals cared for include zebra, ostrich, giraffe and red river hogs. Responsibilities include the daily assessment and care of these species both on-habitat and off-habitat animal areas. In addition to a rewarding work environment, Zookeepers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of conservation initiatives, involvement in Zoo committees, and other professional development opportunities. The Zoo is centrally located on a beautiful 500 acre site in the heart of the North Carolina Piedmont plateau region and the Uwharrie Mountains. Multiple hiking trails are located on property with quick access to the Piedmont Triad cities, Appalachian Mountains, and coastal towns providing the opportunity for a positive, work-life balance. Key Responsibilities: - Provide daily care of animal collection, maintenance of animal habitats, and holding areas, including heavy lifting of hay, grain, manure, substrates and heavy duty cleaning and scrubbing as a routine occurrence. - Conduct systematic observation and monitoring of animal health, behavior, and welfare. - Interact with zoo guests in formal and informal setting. - Work as a team to develop and implement holistic behavioral management program which utilizes positive reinforcement training, behavior-based enrichment variability, and utilizing research to provide a dynamic environment for optimal animal welfare. - Ensure thorough and accurate animal records are maintained - Be an active, productive member of the team to ensure highest quality of animal care and welfare, problem solve issues and engage in decision making processes. - May be assigned to work with other animal species in other work units as needed. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/ Management Preferences. Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. Recruitment Range: $33,902 - $44,800 To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:Demonstrated hands-on animal care experience at an AZA accredited zoo or related facility. Demonstrated experience with record keeping and comfort utilizing computers. Keen observation skills to discern and interpret subtle changes in health, condition and behavior of animals, and to monitor breeding activity. Proven communication skills to include guest interactions, public speaking, reporting, and or team interactions. Experience with positive reinforcement-based operant conditioning and environmental enrichment. Position/ Physical Requirements. Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider. This position is designated as Essential/ Mandatory and is required to work adverse weather events and may be called to work special events. Work schedule - between the hours of 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, 8 - 9 hour shifts (seasonally dependent)Must be able to work a rotating schedule that involves working weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts. Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program. Must be able to capture, handle and restrain live exotic and potentially dangerous animals and use associated capture equipment. Must have the ability to perform strenuous physical work with alertness to surroundings in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments with or without a reasonable accommodation. Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation. Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment. This position is located at:4401 Zoo Parkway. Asheboro, NC 27205 Minimum Education and Experience. Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelors degree in biology, zoology, natural sciences, O - Rrelated curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution AN - Done year of experience working in a zoo-based or related animal care facility; O - Ran equivalent combination of education and experience. Division Description. The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and guests. The North Carolina Zoo mission is to protect wildlife and wild places and inspire people to join in conserving the natural world. This mission encompasses both domestic and international efforts, focusing on wildlife conservation, habitat preservation and promoting environmental stewardship. Learn more