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Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
POSITION POSTING
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Posting Date: August 12, 2026 Job Posting Title: Animal Keeper
Shift: Daylight, Pass Days-Wednesday-Thursday
Reports To: Curator/Assistant Curator FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt Collective Bargaining
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Summary:
The keeper position is an hourly, collective bargaining unit position responsible for care of the Zoo animal collection.
Essential Job Functions:
- Observes the animals (e.g. mammals, birds, reptiles, aquatic life, etc.), for disease, injuries, unusual behavior, pregnancy, etc.;
- Reports observations to assigned Lead Keeper, assistant curator or curator;
- Requests, stores, prepares and distributes animal food and water in a timely manner.
- Maintains and cleans in and around habitat and exhibit quarters, kitchen area, and public space surrounding the exhibits etc.,
- Inspects animal exhibit and habitat perimeters for security and assists in the implementation of the pest control program;
- Monitors life support systems (e.g. filtration water systems, water circulation systems, etc.), maintains appropriate environmental conditions; makes minor repairs and/or refers for permanent repairs; checks locks on cages;
- Assists veterinarian and technicians in animal examination and treatment; performs prescribed medical treatments and procedures;
- May assist in research study procedures and in the collection of data and preparation of reports;
- Keeps feeding, breeding, and health and animal inventory records in the required formats; prepares reports as requested or required;
- Catches animals and assists in transferring and transporting; may pick up and deliver animals as requested or required;
- Answers questions and conducts tours for educational programs and the general public, gives direction as needed and polices the grounds.
- Participates in training programs at the zoo or at remote locations. Attends professional conferences and prepares and delivers professional papers or articles. May assist in providing training to staff or volunteers as requested,
- Assists the Lead Keeper and/or Curatorial personnel in exhibit preparation and horticultural staff with planting exhibits;
- Collects biological specimens and assists in chemical or physical restraint of animal’s environments;
- Positively interact with guests in order to educate them on the animals in the collection.
- Conducts and implements operant conditioning for the animals under their care, as necessary and completes the appropriate documentation in the required format.
- Provides regular enrichment for all animals in the area and completes the appropriate documentation, in the required format.
Other Functions:
Performs work in accordance with wildlife regulations; may make water tests and regulate temperatures, etc.; performs activities and functions of related lower-level personnel and other related tasks and duties that are assigned or required.
- Performs other related duties as required.
EOE
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