Zookeeper

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the world of wildlife conservation? We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate individual to join our Animal Care and Management Department as a Zookeeper!

Join our Wild family if you possess the following:

Passion for wildlife: Demonstrate a genuine love for wildlife and a commitment to conservation efforts.

Education background: Possess a minimum of a high school diploma, preferably in Biology or Integrated Science.

Language proficiency: Exhibit a strong command of the English language for effective communication within our team.

Good physical condition: Undertake extensive manual labour and outdoor work in variety of weather and environmental conditions.

Collaborative spirit: Work seamlessly as part of a team dedicated to the well-being of our resident ambassador animals.

Flexibility is key: Embrace a dynamic schedule that includes flexible hours and occasional work on public holidays.

Desirable assets: Hold a valid driver’s license, bilingual proficiency, and prior experience in animal husbandry.

Belizean citizenship or Permanent Residency: Exclusive opportunity for individuals who are Belizeans or permanent residents.

Job Overview:

As a Zookeeper at the Belize Zoo, you will play a vital role in the daily husbandry care of native Belizean animals in captivity. Your responsibilities will include providing appropriate diets, maintaining clean and healthy animal exhibits, administering medication and special care as directed, and ensuring the overall well-being of our animal residents. Additionally, you will conduct behavioral observation, perform maintenance tasks, provide training and mentorship to interns, interact with visitors, and enhance their zoo experience through educational tours and animal experiences.

 Key Responsibilities

Animal Husbandry:

• Prepare and distribute appropriate diets for animals based on their nutritional needs as directed.
• Ensure all animals have access to fresh drinking water of suitable quality, maintaining water cleanliness for aquatic and semi-aquatic species.
• Clean animal habitats regularly to maintain a healthy environment and ensure public display standards are met.
• Assist in the administration of medication and provide special care as instructed by the General Curator.
• Conduct familiarization and research to gain knowledge of the natural history, nutritional requirements, health, hygiene, behavior, and social groupings of each animal species.
• Implement environmental and behavioral enrichment strategies to promote mental and physical stimulation for animals.
• Assist in the capture and examination of escaped animals or those requiring veterinary attention.
• Provide care and rearing support for orphaned animals, including 24-hour care shifts when needed.

Behavioral Observation and Reporting:

• Conduct daily behavioral observations of animals to identify any notable changes or concerns regarding their health and welfare.
• Maintain accurate daily reports, logs, and records of animal care activities, including training and enrichment programs.
• Report any significant findings or concerns to your immediate Supervisor promptly.

Habitat Maintenance:

• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of animal habitats through regular scrubbing, disinfection, sweeping, and removal of waste.
• Perform maintenance tasks as needed to ensure the safety and functionality of animal habitats to enhance the aesthetics of habitats by pruning trees, adding natural perches for enrichment, weeding plants, and incorporating leaf litter to simulate natural environments.
• Collaborate with the maintenance team to address any structural or environmental issues.

Interns and Visitor Interactions:

• Work with local and international interns and volunteers, providing guidance, training, and mentorship.
• Interact with zoo visitors in a friendly and informative manner to enrich their zoo experience.
• Assist with day tours – sharing knowledge about resident animals and their habitat.
• Assist with animal experiences while adhering to safety protocols and educational objectives.

Interested persons can submit the following:

Application letter, resumé, recent police record, and two references

Email to animalmgt@belizezoo.org

Deadline: Monday October 14th 2024