Join the team at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, an AZA-accredited 11-acre, walk-through zoo adjacent to Hersheypark. ZooAmerica is home to more than 200 animals, representing 65 species and 5 regions of North America.

This position is responsible for the daily care of a variety of zoo animals with primary responsibility for one of the geographical areas of ZooAmerica - Southern Swamps. Animals in this area include reptiles (including venomous snakes) and birds, but some responsibilities may be required with mammals and amphibians. This position will also work across the zoo with the goal of maintaining and improving the grounds, landscaping, and habitats of our animal collection. This work will improve ZooAmerica’s overall aesthetics and functionality, enhance the guest experience, and advance animal well-being initiatives.

As a Full-Time Team Member, you will enjoy sweet perks like FREE admission to Hersheypark, discounts, and more as soon as you receive your Employee ID! Your total compensation consists not only of the wage that you are paid, but also includes Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage beginning the first day of the next month after you begin working, 401K Contribution, paid time off, and so much more!

Job Duties (Items marked with an asterisk are essential functions of this position):

• Supervise all aspects of basic animal husbandry and daily care by cleaning, feeding, and observing animals*

• Oversee nutrition, veterinary care, administration of medication and medical treatment, animal training and enrichment, and the maintenance of records of all associated documentation*

• Establish and manage protocols for proper care, diet, and animal welfare of each species in the assigned area*

• Initiate, execute, and oversee new animal training protocols for applicable species*

• Supervise and train all part-time naturalist staff in daily animal care and husbandry of the area, including dietary needs and health care*

• Coordinate with maintenance, external vendors, and zoo management to oversee landscaping needs, routine maintenance, and horticulture upgrades to all existing ZooAmerica animal habitats across the entire institution. Effectively communicate concepts to multiple stakeholders inside and outside of the zoo to ensure timely planning and execution of exhibit repairs and that aesthetics are maintained.*

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of related zoo experience; supervisory experience preferred 

• Industry Experience - Zoo Science, Environmental Science, Animal Behavior, or related Bachelor’s degree

• 18 years of age or older

• Must have a valid driver’s license

• In accordance with Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Law, candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse), and Fingerprint-based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent (FBI), as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skilled in the use of Google Applications (Google Docs, Sheets, Drive)

• Proficient with detail-oriented work on a daily basis for prolonged periods of time

• Experience and ability to handle venomous reptiles is highly preferred

• Must comply with proper firearms training and safe animal restraint techniques

• Must be able to discharge firearms for emergency or routine tranquilizing purposes

• Must possess strong communication skills and interact with a wide variety of audiences in a professional manner

Job Demands: 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Climbing Ladders Occasional (<33%)

• Reaching Forward Frequent (34-66%)

• Climbing Stairs Occasional (<33%) (15ft maximum height)

• Lifting Frequent (34-66%) (40lbs maximum weight)

• Reaching Overhead Frequent (34-66%)

• Finger Dexterity Constant (>67%)

• Hand/Eye Coordination Constant (>67%)

• Stooping Frequent (34-66%)

• Bending Frequent (34-66%)

• Sitting Occasional (<33%)

• Standing Constant (>67%)

• Walking Constant {>67%)

• Must be able to work at heights up to 15 feet

• Must be able to climb over barriers and fences

• Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods of time

• This job requires a good sense of vision (either corrected or uncorrected). Visual ability to operate moving equipment such as a car, truck, golf carts, etc. and the ability to distinguish unlike items, detect motion, and distinguish color is required.

• This job requires the visual ability to view work at distances of approximately 5 feet (operation and adjustment of machinery) and close distances (computer screens, measurement devices, etc).

• This job regularly requires verbal communication of detailed information to others either by phone or in person.

• Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers (repetitive motion) is utilized frequently.

• The position is subject to atmospheric conditions. One or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin: fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.

• The position is occasionally in close quarters that could cause claustrophobia.

• The position is subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to extreme temperatures and exposure to chemicals.

• The position is subject to noise. There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above ambient noise level.

• The position is subject to extreme heat. Temperatures above 100° for periods of more than one hour. Consideration should be given to the effect of other environmental conditions, such as wind and humidity.

• The position is subject to extreme cold. Temperatures typically below 32° for periods of more than one hour. Consideration should be given to the effect of other environmental conditions, such as wind and humidity.

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including regularly scheduled weekends and holidays. Must wear approved uniform and footwear. Employees should be free of all allergies that would preclude them from working around animals in their designated area.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.