Description

The Virginia Zoo is seeking an Animal Health Keeper to join our expanding animal health team. The growing department will include a Senior Director of Animal Health, two associate veterinarians, an office manager/veterinary technician, two veterinary technicians, a Lead Animal Health Keeper, and two Animal Health Keepers. This position supports the department’s continued expansion.

The Animal Health Keeper is primarily responsible for daily commissary operations, ensuring accurate and timely preparation and delivery of animal diets. The role also includes providing husbandry care for animals in the hospital or quarantine areas and assisting the veterinary team during animal procedures.

This position offers an opportunity to support the nutrition, care, and welfare of a diverse animal collection within a collaborative, progressive animal health team.

Located just steps from the Chesapeake Bay—with kayak access outside our fence—and only 30 minutes from the oceanfront and three hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Virginia Zoo offers both a meaningful career and an excellent quality of life.

Department Hiring Salary Range: $44,094 – $50,599.65

Essential Functions

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

Commissary Operations

• Prepare specialized animal diets following detailed instructions and schedules.
• Chop, grind, portion, and handle food using commercial kitchen equipment.
• Deliver diets to designated animal care areas on time.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of commissary facilities, equipment, and vehicles.
• Receive, inspect, and store food and supplies in compliance with safety standards.
• Monitor and rotate stock; remove expired or spoiled products.
• Maintain accurate records of food usage, inventory, and deliveries.
• Ensure all food meets established quality and safety standards.
• Follow USDA, AZA, HACCP, and Virginia Zoo procedures for food safety and biosecurity.
• Operate equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks.

Animal Care and Husbandry

• Provide husbandry care for animals in hospital or quarantine, following established SOPs.
• Observe animals and document changes in behavior, diet, health, reproductive status, or body condition.
• Feed animals according to nutritional and behavioral requirements set by curatorial and veterinary staff.
• Administer medications as directed.
• Assist with the capture, crating, and transport of animals as needed.
• Provide approved environmental enrichment.
• Clean and maintain animal enclosures, food and water containers, pools, and related areas.
• Demonstrate knowledge of behavioral characteristics and safe handling procedures for a wide variety of species.

General Responsibilities

• Ensure the health and safety of animals, staff, and the public by following all applicable standards and protocols.
• Adhere to all departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

Work requires broad knowledge in a general profession or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Coursework in animal science, biology, food service, or related field preferred.

One year of experience as an Animal Caretaker.

Experience in animal care, food preparation, warehouse operations, or a related field preferred.

Valid driver's license required.

Forklift certification preferred (or must be obtained).

Additional Information & Requirements

Work hours: Schedule subject to change dependent on department needs. Currently Friday through Tuesday 7 am to 4 pm.

Work location: Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby Street, Norfolk 23504

The Virginia Zoo is seeking an Animal Health Keeper to join our expanding animal health team. The growing department will include a Senior Director of Animal Health, two associate veterinarians, an office manager/veterinary technician, two veterinary technicians, a Lead Animal Health Keeper, and two Animal Health Keepers. This position supports the department’s continued expansion. The Animal Health Keeper is primarily responsible for daily commissary operations, ensuring accurate and timely preparation and delivery of animal diets. The role also includes providing husbandry care for animals in the hospital or quarantine areas and assisting the veterinary team during animal procedures. This position offers an opportunity to support the nutrition, care, and welfare of a diverse animal collection within a collaborative, progressive animal health team. Located just steps from the Chesapeake Bay—with kayak access outside our fence—and only 30 minutes from the oceanfront and three hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Virginia Zoo offers both a meaningful career and an excellent quality of life. Department Hiring Salary Range: $44,094 – $50,599.65 Essential Functions Essential functions include but are not limited to: Commissary Operations. Prepare specialized animal diets following detailed instructions and schedules. Chop, grind, portion, and handle food using commercial kitchen equipment. Deliver diets to designated animal care areas on time. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of commissary facilities, equipment, and vehicles. Receive, inspect, and store food and supplies in compliance with safety standards. Monitor and rotate stock; remove expired or spoiled products. Maintain accurate records of food usage, inventory, and deliveries. Ensure all food meets established quality and safety standards. Follow USDA, AZA, HACCP, and Virginia Zoo procedures for food safety and biosecurity. Operate equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks. Animal Care and Husbandry. Provide husbandry care for animals in hospital or quarantine, following established SOPs. Observe animals and document changes in behavior, diet, health, reproductive status, or body condition. Feed animals according to nutritional and behavioral requirements set by curatorial and veterinary staff. Administer medications as directed. Assist with the capture, crating, and transport of animals as needed. Provide approved environmental enrichment. Clean and maintain animal enclosures, food and water containers, pools, and related areas. Demonstrate knowledge of behavioral characteristics and safe handling procedures for a wide variety of species. General Responsibilities. Ensure the health and safety of animals, staff, and the public by following all applicable standards and protocols. Adhere to all departmental Standard Operating Procedures. Perform additional duties as assigned. Education/ Experience Work requires broad knowledge in a general profession or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Coursework in animal science, biology, food service, or related field preferred. One year of experience as an Animal Caretaker. Experience in animal care, food preparation, warehouse operations, or a related field preferred. Valid driver's license required. Forklift certification preferred (or must be obtained). Additional Information & Requirements Work hours: Schedule subject to change dependent on department needs. Currently Friday through Tuesday 7 am to 4 pm. Work location: Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby Street, Norfolk 23504

search terms: Animal+Zookeeper