Join the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium team and be part of a mission that matters: Empowering People. Saving Wildlife. As a Zookeeper in Asia Quest, you’ll play a vital role in caring for incredible species, inspiring guests, and contributing to global conservation efforts. We offer a collaborative environment, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a real impact every day—because here, your work helps protect wildlife and connect people to nature.

Responsible for the daily care of animals within the assigned team, as well as all other animals in the region, including exhibit and grounds maintenance.

Animal Care & Husbandry

• Performs care of the region’s animals, including food preparation, feeding, monitoring diets, watering, bathing, enrichment, water changes, observing medical and behavioral changes, and behavioral stimulation and may assist with medical treatment as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarians.
• Maintains daily and monthly records on animals.
• Participates in training and operant conditioning programs and follows standardized reporting mechanisms.

Exhibit & Grounds Maintenance

• Cleans and maintains animal exhibit areas, performs basic horticulture work (e.g., caring for region’s egress/ingress, general grounds beautification) and disinfects animal enclosures.
• Utilizes chemical supply products and follows standardized usage guidelines and safety information as set by the Material Data Sheets.
• Assures the safety of self, animals, co-workers and visitors by observing safety guidelines when working with animals, equipment and vehicles.

Education & Public Engagement

• Provides educational information about the region’s animal population through such activities as interacting with the public, conducting keeper talks, staffing interpreter stations, conducting tours and workshops, attending docent meetings, composing articles for zoo publications and conducting volunteer trainings.

Team Collaboration & Professional Development

• Provides input to Assistant Curator on all aspects (e.g., safety, animal husbandry) of assigned areas.
• May provide leadership to seasonal employees, interns, volunteers and zooschool students (e.g., provide daily work direction, inform management of problems).
• Attends departmental meetings and participates in developmental seminars and workshops as required.
• May establish and maintain contacts with other zookeepers outside of the Columbus Zoo, field researchers and other specialists.
• Participates in cross-training activities as directed.
• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club and The Wilds.
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal science, biology or relevant field required. Four years of relevant zoo keeping experience may be substituted for degree.
• Experience in zookeeping (6 months to one year), or approved equivalent required.
• Minimum six months animal husbandry experience working with primates, reptiles, carnivores, herbivores and birds preferred.
• Ability to successfully perform zookeeper duties within a diverse animal collection preferred.

Technical & Physical Requirements

• C.P.R./First Aid certification preferred.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical work required.
• Possession of a valid state issued motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required, as well as ability to operate standard shift vehicles required.
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
• Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.

Communication & Guest Service

• Ability to develop and deliver informational presentations to small, medium or large groups required.
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the guest service standards required.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business required.

Work Style & Availability

• Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays required.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.