Zoo Keeper
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Zoo Keeper
Salary
$19.29 - $22.90 Hourly
Location
Parks & Rec Zoo Boise, Boise, ID
Job Type
Full Time Regular
Job Number
23 -07649
Department
Parks & Recreation
Division
Zoo Operations
Opening Date
07/08/2026
Closing Date
7/22/2026 12:00 PM Mountain
Description
Benefits
Questions
Summary Statement
Care for incredible animals while helping create unforgettable experiences for Zoo Boise guests! In this rewarding role, you’ll support the daily care and well-being of native and exotic animals, assist with animal exhibits and transportation, and engage with visitors by sharing information about the animals, conservation, and zoo programs. If you're passionate about animal care, education, and inspiring a love for wildlife, this is your chance to make a difference every day.
Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
High school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience working with small to large non-domestic animals in a similar zoo facility or farm environment.
Licensing And Other Requirements
Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:
City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
Driving Record Check
Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
This position is required to qualify and maintain qualification standards to carry firearms.
Why the City of Boise?
The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:
Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your family (an estimated $10,000 - 20,000 value)
PERSI retirement (11.96% Employer Contribution) plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b
10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
10 weeks paid parental leave
$500 annual wellbeing incentive
Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost
Disclaimer: This job posting may close earlier than the listed closing date. If this occurs, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be provided prior to closing.
Essential Functions
Ensures animal health and safety by making regular observations and inspections of cages, facilities and animal behavior. Creates and maintains records such as animal descriptions, sex, diet and behavioral characteristics. Investigates cases of unusual animal behavior and reports the behavior to a veterinarian.
Prepares food for animals with regards to species, natural eating behavior, special diets or circumstances and recommended frequency. Takes direction from the veterinarian to administer the required medications. Performs cleaning duties in and around cages and zoo grounds.
Creates and provides enrichment opportunities for animals, such as scent manipulation, puzzle feeders and altering the design and layout of cages and related items to engage animals and prevent irritation and stress. Trains animals to exhibit specific behaviors.
Conducts various presentations, tours and classes for groups, individuals and related public events. Creates educational activities for schools and classes. Interacts with the public and answers questions.
Works on projects throughout the zoo's facilities. Builds, adjusts and repairs animal exhibits. Performs various facility maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, changing light bulbs, landscaping and lawn maintenance, minor repairs and unloading animal food stuffs.
Transports animals to locations throughout the zoo. Builds transport crates. Attends zoo-specific training. Ensures compliance with regulations and standards. Receives training in the proper use of blow and dart guns, shotguns, immobilizing drugs, control poles and squeeze cages.
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
Requirements
Knowledge of:
Environmental, health and dietary needs of animals.
Animal restraint and capture techniques.
Typical behaviors of a variety of animals.
Zoo operations.
Basic facility maintenance.
The operation of hand and power tools.
Computer usage, including related software.
Ability to:
Build and maintain large cages.
Operate tools and equipment safely.
Give oral presentations.
Utilize guns and related emergency equipment.
Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.
Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Working Conditions
The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds, occasionally lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds and rarely lifting/carrying up to 75 pounds. Also, the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds and occasionally pushing/pulling up to 75 pounds. The noise level is frequently loud and occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, runn, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.
Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical hazards. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals.
Top talent deserves top-notch benefits. The City is among the best in the Treasure Valley when it comes to the benefits and perks we offer our employees.
Most positions are eligible for the general benefits listed here; firefighters, police officers, senior managers, command staff, and directors may be offered other benefit plans.
Healthcare:
ZERO premium medical coverage option for you and your family
Low-cost dental and vision options
Post-employment health savings account
Retirement and Investment Plans:
Required participation in PERSI Base Plan retirement benefits with standard employee and City contribution rates
401(k) or 457b pre-tax investment options with employer match
457b Roth after-tax investment options with no match
WellBeing Program:
Up to $500 cash per year for participants
Alternative transportation incentives
Paid Leave – City employees receive generous paid leave:
10 hours of vacation per month, and this increases the longer you stay with the City
12 paid holidays every year
8 hours of sick leave per month
10 weeks Parental Leave
Life & Long Term Disability:
Basic Life insurance at no cost to you
Long Term Disability insurance at no cost to you
Other optional benefits:
Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts
Supplemental Life Insurance
Supplemental Disability Insurance
Tuition reimbursement
Free local bus pass
Corporate discount programs
AFLAC
Employee Assistance Program for short-term counseling on work, family, finances, and personal issues
Please visit our website for further details mybenefits.cityofboise.org
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