Zookeeper, Birds

~ The Houston Zoo is a 55-acre zoological park located within Hermann Park in Houston, Texas.  ~

The Zoo houses over 6,000 animals as a part of over 900 species that the zoo has to offer, and receives 1.8 million visitors each year and is the tenth most visited zoo in the United States. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

The Houston Zoo's mission statement is "The Houston Zoo provides a fun, unique, and inspirational experience fostering appreciation, knowledge, and care for the natural world."
Since 2002 the non-profit corporation Houston Zoo Inc. has operated the zoo. Prior to 2002 the Houston Zoo was operated by the City of Houston.  

Position Overview 

The Houston Zoo is seeking applicants with avicultural experience to join our Bird Department team. Qualified candidates should have experience in captive management of a variety of bird species. 

Responsibilities 

Job duties include: 

• Daily feeding and diet preparation; 
• Exhibit cleaning and maintenance; 
• Restraint and handling; 
• Assistance in veterinary procedures; 
• Record keeping; and
• Propagation of a variety of bird species.  

Qualifications / Requirements 

Experience: 

• Artificial incubation and hand rearing experience desired; public speaking and presentation a plus. 
• Experience working with birds preferred. 

Knowledge:  

• Two years of college level education (60 semester credit hours) in zoology, biology, animal husbandry or a related field of which 24 semester hours must be credit hours in life sciences or physical sciences.
• A certificate of completion from an acceptable animal care program of not less than 30 semester hours may be substituted for 30 hours of college.  

Supervision: 

• May serve as a lead person for zookeeper apprentices, interns or volunteers.

Skills: 

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to lift up to 75 lbs. 
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays, and should expect to perform duties under adverse conditions, including extreme heat, humidity, and rain.  

Compensation and Benefits: Excellent benefits include medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. EOE.  

To Apply

First, click here to download an application, then please click below: "Apply Now Online" to email your resume and completed application.  

~ Houston Zoo is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer ~