Senior Zookeeper - Herpetology

Job Description:

Senior Zookeeper - Herpetology

Description

Summary

Minimum Starting Salary: $23.0000 per hour

The City of Waco Seeks

Join our team at the Cameron Park Zoo as our next Senior Zookeeper! We are seeking a candidate with experience in the husbandry of a variety of reptiles including Galapagos tortoises, Komodo dragons, Australian geckos, and over 30 species of venomous snakes including King cobras, mambas, and amphibians. Duties include display maintenance, behavior observation, record keeping, nutrition, diet preparation, feeding techniques and disinfection procedures. If you have a passion for caring for animals apply today!

Minimum Qualifications
Required:

• Associates Degree in Zoology, Biological Sciences, or a related field
• 3 years of animal care work experience
  • Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Texas Driver's License

Position Overview
Under basic supervision, serves as a lead keeper within the assigned area. This position will assist in overseeing day-to-day operations and will play a primary role in employee training and development. The Senior Zookeeper acts as a liaison between the team and leadership, helping to assure adherence to policies and procedures while developing supervisory skills.

Essential Functions

• Provides daily care, husbandry, nutrition, enrichment, training, and behavioral observation for assigned animals; monitors health and reports concerns.
• Maintains animal exhibits and holding areas; prepares and distributes diets, supplements, and medications; maintains animal care records.
• Assists with veterinary procedures and serves as a liaison between veterinary staff, leadership, and the zookeeper team.
• Assists with training and mentoring new employees; provides guidance on animal handling, restraint techniques, and safety practices.
• Exercises sound judgment in animal care, emergencies, and daily operations, particularly in the manager's absence.
• Recommends and implements improvements to animal husbandry, diets, habitat design, enrichment, and welfare.
• Presents educational programs and animal demonstrations; promotes wildlife conservation and the Zoo's mission through guest interactions and community outreach.
• Follows and responds to emergency procedures and all applicable safety protocols.
• Operates City vehicles to safely transport animals (locally and long distance), pick up supplies, and move equipment to and from service locations in support of daily operations.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• Lives the City of Waco Values.

The City of Waco offers a complete benefits package for eligible employees including; health, dental, vision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Accounts, life insurance, long term and short term disability, retirement, deferred compensation plans, holidays, vacation, sick leave, credit union and savings bonds.

To learn more about the benefits offered, visit our Benefits page.

Why Work For Waco:

• Meaningful and challenging work
• Make a difference and improve communities
• Competitive Salary and Benefits
  • Full Range of Benefits, including Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
  • Mandatory TMRS Retirement Plan with a 2:1 City Match
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance
  • Longevity Pay
  • And More!
• Chance to do work you are passionate about
• Desire to give back

Closing Date/Time: 7/31/2026 5:00 PM Central

Salary:

See Position Description