Animal Keeper Level 1

Department: Husbandry
Reports To: Senior Keeper / Curator
Schedule: Full-time or Part-time; includes weekends, holidays, and peak guest periods

Position Summary

The Animal Keeper Level 1 is an entry-level animal care position responsible for supporting daily husbandry operations while actively contributing to guest education and immersive experiences. This role focuses on learning foundational animal care routines, safety protocols, and approved animal education messaging while working under the guidance of senior staff.

Animal Keeper Level 1 team members are expected to understand that animal welfare, guest experience, and education are interconnected. From day one, this role supports the organization’s mission by delivering safe, compassionate animal care while engaging guests in meaningful, mission-aligned interactions.

Primary Responsibilities:

Guest Interaction & Education:

• Engage guests in a friendly, professional, and approachable manner while working in public areas.
• Share basic, approved animal stories and educational messaging aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Explain animal care activities to guests in an age-appropriate and accessible way.
• Maintain awareness of guest safety, exhibit boundaries, and crowd behavior.
• Know when to pause tasks or seek support to prioritize animal welfare or guest experience.

Animal Care & Husbandry:

• Assist with daily animal care tasks including feeding, cleaning, habitat maintenance, and enrichment preparation.
• Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety guidelines, and animal welfare standards.
• Observe animals daily and promptly report changes in behavior, appetite, or health to senior staff.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe animal habitats.
• Support routine animal movements and care activities under supervision.

Mission & Conservation Support:

• Demonstrate understanding of the organization’s mission, values, and conservation goals.
• Communicate the importance of animal welfare, education, and stewardship to guests.
• Represent the organization positively and professionally at all times.
• Understand how daily animal care contributes to conservation, education, and guest connection.

Safety & Compliance:

• Follow all safety protocols, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain situational awareness in animal and guest-facing environments.
• Immediately report safety concerns, incidents, or near-misses.
• Participate in emergency response drills and required safety training.

Training & Development:

• Complete all required onboarding and Level 1 training modules.
• Participate actively in hands-on training.
• Demonstrate growth in animal knowledge, handling skills, and guest engagement.
• Ask questions and seek feedback to support ongoing development.

Teamwork & Professionalism:

• Work collaboratively with other Animal Keepers, Guest Services, and leadership.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with team members and supervisors.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and accountability.
• Accept feedback professionally and apply it consistently.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Degree in Zoology, Marine Biology, Animal Sciences, or a related field.
• Interest in animal care, education, conservation, or related field.
• Ability to work in a guest-facing environment.
• Willingness to learn and follow established procedures.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and work outdoors for extended periods.

Preferred:

• Prior experience with animals, education, or customer-facing roles.
• Coursework or education in biology, animal science, education, or related fields.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Ability to work around animals, water features, cleaning chemicals, and food prep areas.
• Ability to remain alert and responsive in dynamic guest environments.

Success in This Role Looks Like:

• Consistently completes assigned tasks safely and accurately.
• Engages guests in positive, mission-aligned interactions.
• Demonstrates steady progress in animal care skills and knowledge.
• Builds trust with teammates and leadership.
• Shows readiness for advancement to Animal Keeper Level 2.

Career Path
This position is the entry point into the Animal Keeper career ladder. Successful Animal Keeper Level 1 team members may be eligible for advancement to Animal Keeper Level 2 upon completion of required training, demonstrated competency, and leadership approval.