Animal Keeper I

(Regular, Non-Exempt)

Starting Salary Range: $19.06 - $22.87/hour, DOQ

Closing Date: 10/02/2026 @ 5:00PM

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Variable 8-Hour Days

How to apply: Using the “apply” button on this page, please complete the required online application, upload a resume and a list of three professional references with full contact information. For general questions about the position, contact Unique Hiram at (785) 587-2447 or [email protected].

Summary/Objective

Provides for the day-to-day care of a wide variety of multi-class and multi-genera animals. Cleans and maintains animal, service and public areas of the park. Provides enrichment and animal welfare as scheduled. Provides daily animal care that meets, and/or exceeds USDA, and AZA, standards. Reports to supervisors in writing and orally the status of the animals and the physical plant of the zoo. Interacts with the public by giving public talks and answering questions.

Essential Functions

Provides care for multi-class and multi-genera animals.

• Provides for the care of large numbers of animals including feeding, cleaning exhibits, and public areas, assist in the mental and physical health of the animals through enrichment, training and welfare programs, and administer medications under the direction of the Head Keeper, Animal Curator, and Veterinarians.
• Monitors and interprets the day-to-day activities and health status of large numbers of multi-class and multi-genera exotic and domestic animals.
• Maintains exhibits, service areas and public areas through minor repairs or by reporting needed repairs to maintenance department or Head Keeper/Animal Curator.
• Reports daily activities and the status of the animals/area under their charge.
• Aids in the manual restraint of a variety of animals, some of which may be potentially dangerous.
• Administers and records animal enrichment, training and welfare protocols, as exhibited by modern zoological practices.

Performs cleaning and maintenance duties as required.

• Lifts hay bales, grain sacks and other equipment as needed.
• Performs ground maintenance in animal areas and around the zoo.
• Performs basic maintenance and repair on habitats and enrichment items.

Performs additional duties as required.

• Attends meetings and training.
• Conducts educational sessions in the park for the public.
• Prepares reports.
• Provides guidance/assistance to new division employees as needed.
• Ensures compliancy with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures in all duties.