An Animal Care Worker or Manager manages animal care and grooming for a retail store that sells pets or for a pet grooming business. May also provide animal care and grooming at a kennel. Works with animals in shelters or rescue organizations. Works primarily with dogs and cats. Assists veterinarians with vaccinations or other procedures; screens people who want to adopt an animal from a shelter and provides information about caring for animals.
Job Overview Are you an experienced zookeeper with a passion for herpetology and exotic animal care? LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium —Michigan's premier 30,000-square-foot, ZAA-accredited interactive zoo and aquarium in Utica, MI—is seeking a dedicated, energetic Experienced Zookeeper to join our team. In this hands-on role, you will lead daily animal husbandry, habitat maintenance, and behavior monitoring across our diverse collection, with a primary focus on reptilian species including large pythons, large monitors, crocodilians, and exotic lizards. Working in a fast-paced, ZAA-certified environment, you will combine high-level physical handling and welfare standards with public engagement and conservation education.
Key Responsibilities Animal Husbandry & Care:
Prepare and deliver species-specific daily diet plans, nutritional supplements, and hydration routines adhering to ZAA welfare standards.
Health & Behavioral Monitoring:
Observe daily animal health, behavior, and physical condition; maintain accurate records of dietary intake, shedding, weight, and medical observations.
Specialized Reptile Handling:
Safely perform restraint, medical assistance, and transport techniques for large reptiles, including crocodilians, large monitors, and giant snakes, prioritizing safety and minimal animal stress.
Habitat & Enclosure Maintenance:
Maintain, sanitize, and enrich naturalistic terrestrial, aquatic, and humid micro-environments; conduct regular safety checks on enclosure mechanics and heating elements.
Public Engagement & Education:
Conduct engaging daily public presentations and guest interactions, sharing passion and accurate biological facts to inspire conservation action.
Regulatory Compliance:
Uphold strictly enforced facility safety protocols, emergency guidelines, and local, state, and federal animal care regulations.
Qualifications & Requirements Work Experience:
Proven professional experience as a zookeeper, herpetologist, or animal care specialist.
Specialized Expertise:
Direct, hands-on experience handling and caring for diverse reptile species, specifically large snakes, crocodilians, and monitor lizards.
Technical Skills:
Strong understanding of reptilian physiology, environmental controls (lighting, temperature gradients, humidity), diet formulation, and proper physical restraint techniques.
Teamwork & Communication:
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with aquarists, veterinary staff, and guest services personnel. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions Ability to regularly lift 50+ lbs, bend, stoop, crawl, climb, and reach overhead. Comfort working in elevated temperatures, high humidity, and around aquatic/wet environments. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during shift hours. Availability to work weekends, holidays, and flexible shifts as animal care needs dictate. Ability to
