Zookeeper (Birds)
City of Norfolk
FreshPosted Jan 8
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Posted: January 8, 2026 (7 days ago)
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Zookeeper (Americas/Zoo Farm)
City of Norfolk
Zoo
Location
Norfolk, Virginia, 23510
Salary
Not specified
Type
Full Time
More Other jobs →Closes
January 23, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This zookeeper role at the Virginia Zoo involves daily care for animals in the Americas and Zoo Farm areas, especially birds, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health, and engaging with visitors through demonstrations.
It requires working as part of a team to ensure animal welfare and safety while providing educational experiences for zoo guests.
Ideal candidates are passionate animal lovers with hands-on experience in zoo settings who enjoy outdoor work and interacting with the public.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a related field or associate's degree with zoo keeping/wildlife program
- Zookeeper I: 1+ years as zookeeper in AZA-accredited institution; Zookeeper II: 3+ years
- Knowledge of animal behavior, handling, and restraint techniques
- Ability to observe animals for health issues, feed according to nutritional needs, and maintain records
- Physical ability to lift heavy items, stand for long periods, and handle potentially dangerous animals
- Strong communication skills for team work, visitor interactions, and educational presentations
- Valid Virginia Driver's License preferred
Full Job Description
The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is seeking to hire enthusiastic and experienced Zookeepers I and II - Americas/Zoo Farm. Zookeeper positions play an essential role in animal care, welfare and ensuring safe working environments at the zoo where we maintain many rare, endangered and potentially dangerous animals. This position works in a team environment that plays a critical part in maintaining good standards of animal care, presentation and customer service to the nearly 500,000 visitors to the zoo each year. These positions will be assigned to primarily work on the Americas/Zoo Farm team with animals housed within the Bird section but may be required to work in any of the Animal Care areas as needed.
For nearly 100 years The Virginia Zoological Park has been committed to saving and protecting the world's wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world. Come live by the beautiful Chesapeake Bay; kayak launch sites are just outside our perimeter fence. We are situated 30 minutes from the ocean front and 3 hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Department Hiring Salary Range:
Zookeeper I - $44,094.67 - $50,599.65
Zookeeper I - $44,094.67 - $50,599.65
Zookeeper II - $45,858.46 - $52,623.63
Requirements
Essential functions include, but are not limited to:
Observes animals, checking for medical problems, changes in behavior, feeding habits, and overall well-being.
Feeds animals as specified by curatorial and veterinary staff in accordance with nutritional and behavioral requirements.
Cleans, disinfects, and maintains animal exhibits, enclosures, food and water dishes, pools, and other areas.
Keeps daily records on each animal (behavioral observations, and exhibit integrity and maintenance, etc.).
Supervises interns when required.
Conducts animal demonstrations for zoo visitors and writes educational presentations.
Must be able to handle and assist in the restraint and capture of animals.
Must be able to lift heavy feed and manure receptacles and walk long distances.
Must have knowledge of behavioral characteristics and handling procedures for assigned animals.
Must have knowledge of animal restraint apparatus such as ropes, squeeze cages, catch poles, shifts, nets etc.
Must be able to use tools and operate small equipment.
Requires normal hearing and seeing capabilities and the ability to stand, bend, lift, stoop, push and pull.
Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and work in a team environment.
Must work in a friendly and professional manner with staff, volunteers, colleagues, and zoo visitors.
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
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 from an accredited college or a 2-year associate's degree with a dedicated zoo keeping or wildlife program.
Zookeeper I - One or more years working as a zookeeper in an AZA accredited institution.
Zookeeper II - Three or more years working as a zookeeper in an AZA accredited institution.
Zookeeper I - One or more years working as a zookeeper in an AZA accredited institution.
Zookeeper II - Three or more years working as a zookeeper in an AZA accredited institution.
Preferred License(s) and/or Certifications:
- Virginia Driving License
Additional Information
Work Location: Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23504
Work Hours: 40 hours a week worked over a 5-workday schedule; schedule may vary. Working weekends and holidays may be required.
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