Program Animal Keeper

The Program Animal Keeper assists with the husbandry of the program animals for the Education Department of the Brandywine Zoo. Additionally, this position assists with coordinating on and off-site programming for the zoo, including family programs and other visitor experiences (animal shows, close encounters, exhibit interpretation, etc.). For off-site animal shows this position will be responsible for transportation of the animals.  This position will assist in other program areas as necessary.  Applicants must be available to work weekends, evenings and holidays as scheduled.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all position in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here. 

• Assist the Education Staff to help create and facilitate guest experiences using our program animals, including animal shows, close encounters and other special experiences.
• Assist with booking on-site programs and guest experiences, including family programs, workshops and special events.
• Assist with training programs for volunteers and interns.
• Deliver programming and assist with other program areas as necessary.
• Daily training and enrichment of the animal collection; Exhibit modification; Handle and present animals during formal and informal outreach programs on and off grounds. 
• Cares for, feeds and handles wild/exotic animals according to up to date Strategic Operating Guidelines.
• Responds to visitor questions and educates visitors about the care and handling of animals.
• Observes the medical and behavioral conditions of animals and reports conditions to appropriate staff.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Program Animal Keeper

Please attach a resume with your online application or use the resume tab in DEL to provide a detailed description of how your education, training and/or experience meets each job requirement including employer, experience/responsibilities and dates (month/year) of employment/training. Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas.

1. Must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Experience working with animals or an animal collection in a professional setting.
3. Knowledge of zoology, biology, animal science, or informal/formal education.
4. Knowledge of interpretive and both formal and informal presentation techniques.
5. Possession of a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

As a condition of hire the applicant must agree as a requirement of employment to provide proof of negative Tuberculosis Test within the last 12 months of start date.  

Criminal background check:  A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.  The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.  

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.  The State of Delaware – An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.