Lead Animal Keeper (Living Northwest)

SALARY & FLSA

$36.70 - $41.93 per hour/year; FLSA non-exempt/exempt $36.70 - $41.93 The starting rate for this role is $36.70. Every employee under the Joint Crafts Council wage scale, on first appointment, will receive the first step of the salary range for the position. Employees will advance to the second step at the start of the pay period after their one-year anniversary in the job classification and each milestone thereafter (3 years, 6 years, 11 years, and 17 years of service) with Step 6 being the maximum pay rate.

OPENING DATE

05/13/2026

CLOSING DATE:

05/27/2026

JOB TYPE:

Regular, Full-time UNION:

Represented

OPENINGS

1

LOCATION:

Onsite

DEPARTMENT

Animal Management Leadership experience is preferred. Experience with the species in the Living Northwest Section, including Brown Bears, Elk, Wolves, Lynx, Snowy Owls, Stellar Sea Eagles, Mountain Goats, and North American River Otters is preferred. The anticipated schedule for this position is 5 days a week from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM with 2 consecutive days off. Schedule may change based on operational needs with advanced notice.

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what's at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, "To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives." Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE

As our new Lead Animal Keeper in the Living Northwest Trail, we know you will be successful in this role because you are: You're a knowledgeable and dedicated animal care professional - With a strong background in life sciences and extensive hands-on experience, you provide expert husbandry, support behavioral training and enrichment programs, and ensure the wellbeing of the animals entrusted to your care. You're a supportive leader and effective communicator - You clearly communicate expectations, help guide staff, interns, and volunteers, contribute to performance evaluations, and foster a team culture grounded in growth, safety, and excellence. You're adaptable, reliable, and committed to excellence - You can adjust to changing needs, work evenings, weekends, or holidays when required, and maintain dependable on-call availability when needed, adapting to the needs of a dynamic, fast-paced animal care environment. You're mission-driven and aligned with our values - Your enthusiasm for animal care and commitment to the zoo's mission and Core Values guide your work, ensuring you lead by example and support a positive culture throughout the team.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Staff Support Clearly communicate work instructions, policies, and procedures, which includes facilitating daily team briefings and identifying and communicating safety concerns to management in a timely manner. Support staff training and professional development initiatives. Help set team goals and implement work plans and organizational policies. Ensure compliance with all organizational policies and standards. Provide input to Animal Care Managers with performance evaluations and reviews of staff, interns, and volunteers. Develops schedules and work assignments for keeper staff and volunteers. Administrative Develop team schedules, inventory and supplies related to animal care, including ensuring medications and first-aid kits are within the use date. Maintain accurate records of animal behavior, health, diets, and habitat maintenance, producing reports as needed. Conduct research and present findings as requested. Attending departmental meetings and contributing to planning and decision-making. Animal Care & Welfare Provide expert husbandry care for the animal population. Coordinate and support Animal Keepers, Attendants, and volunteers with animal care routines. Implement behavioral training and enrichment programs. Attend veterinary exams and assist staff with physical examinations and monitor animal behavior post exams. Habitat & Facility Presentation Perform and oversee high standards of cleanliness and presentation in all animal habitats including the maintenance of exhibits and animal support areas, including, but not limited to, minor landscaping, perching, changing of lights and other daily habitat maintenance tasks. Guest Engagement Engage visitors and donors through tours, presentations, and informal interactions by providing accurate and engaging information about the animal population and WPZ's conservation efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in a Life Sciences field from an accredited four-year college or university Five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff including: Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tuition reimbursement Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks Free staff parking 403(b) Retirement Plan

SELECTION PROCESS

Application:

Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs . Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies. This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org .

Screening:

We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer:

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant to successfully complete a: driving record review, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment tuberculosis test.