Overview
Animal Keeper; Animal Connections Jobs in Seattle, USA at Woodland Park Zoo
Position: Animal Keeper (Animal Connections)
SALARY & FLSA: $33.49 per hour; FLSA non-exempt $33.49 – $38.25. The starting rate for this role is $33.49 per hour. 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: 04/14/2026
CLOSING DATE: 05/01/2026 This position may close early if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Regular
UNION: Represented
OPENINGS: 1
LOCATION: Onsite
DEPARTMENT: Animal Management
This position’s schedule is generally 7:30 AM- 4:00PM , 5 days a week. Schedule and shift times may change with advance notice.
HOW 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 Are
As our new 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 Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES , GENERAL ANIMAL KEEPER Animal Care and Husbandry
- Assess animals daily to ensure they are properly cared for and secured.
- Observe animal behavior, report abnormal behavior patterns, and provide technical advice to management and staff.
- 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 the Zoo Veterinarian or Zoo Curators.
- Participate in the capture and restraint of animals as directed by management.
- Assist with the physical transfer of animals.
Health, Safety, and Welfare
- Identify and communicate safety concerns to management in a timely manner.
- Support special animal care activities such as physical examinations, minor exhibit repairs and modifications, and major exhibit maintenance projects.
- Implement animal care procedures and policies, including record keeping.
Behavioral and Research Support
- Assist in development and implementation of behavioral husbandry program.
- Provide technical assistance to international or external researchers conducting authorized zoo studies.
Education and Public Engagement
- Plan, prepare, and conduct public presentations on animal care and conservation.
- Conduct behind‑the‑scenes tours, as directed.
- Represent the Woodland Park Zoo to the media, as directed.
- Support fundraising and development efforts of the zoo.
Specific Duties And Responsibilities, Quarantine Animal Keeper Planning and Coordination
- Work with incoming animal veterinary staff and curators to plan and schedule new animal arrivals—determine appropriate and available housing for incoming animals.
- Attend incoming animal planning meetings.
Title: Animal Keeper; Animal Connections
Company: Woodland Park Zoo
Location: Seattle, USA
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