Working Title: Zoo Keeper - Animal Care Technician 3 - Temporary Float
Job Class: Zoo Keeper
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden
Job ID : 92202
Location : Apple Valley
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Temporary
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 02/18/2026
Closing Date : 03/03/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME
Division/Unit : Animal Care, Health, Conservation & Behavior/Animal Care
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Five 8-hour shifts or four 10-hour shifts depending on assignment; will include 1 or 2 weekend days.
Travel Required : M ay require occasional day time travel and overnight stays.
Salary Range: $26.42 - $35.17 / hourly; $55,164 - $73,434 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME
Work Area : Operations: BioPrograms Admin
End Date : 09/08/2026
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
This position provides animal and exhibit care and maintenance so that healthy, well-adjusted animals, and attractive, instructive exhibits are presented to guests of the Minnesota Zoo in a manner that supports the Zoo's mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The incumbent ensures appropriate welfare of the animals. The incumbent operates fleet vehicles to move around the Zoo campus.
As a float position, this position must be available to rotate work schedules and work assignments as directed, including providing vacation or sick leave relief for other staff. The incumbent may be assigned to multiple work areas and on varied irregular schedules depending on the need. The incumbent will work days and hours including weekends, evening, night, and/or holidays as assigned. If part-time, the incumbent may be offered additional shifts up to 40 hours per week.
Duties include but are not limited to:
Perform animal husbandry procedures as established so that the highest level of animal health and exhibition are maintained.
Perform maintenance and general cleaning of habitats and work areas as assigned so that a neat and clean appearance and pleasant and safe experience are provided for all guests.
Prepare, present, and participate in interpretive programs for Zoo guests, staff, and/or volunteers so that staff and guests receive accurate information on the biology, natural history, and conservation of the species in an educational and entertaining manner.
Minimum Qualifications
The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.
Three (3) years of experience as a full-time Zookeeper at a zoo or aquarium; OR Three (3) years of experience working in a veterinary hospital involving direct animal care and maintenance. Experience must be within the last ten (10) years and include all of the following:
Customer service skills sufficient to work with co-workers and guests courteously and respectfully.
Ability to interpret technical literature that relates to the health and management of animals.
Demonstrated ability to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity.
Unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
College degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education, Ecology or closely related field.
Experience working with a variety of taxa including carnivores, hoofstock, primates, herps, birds, aquatics, marine mammals and/or domestics.
Experience training marine mammals for medical behaviors, enrichment, exercise, and public interpretation/educational programs.
Experience interpreting animal behavior and providing species specific information to guests.
Experience with public interpretation of animals, animal behavior and training.
Experience working with animals in an ambassador setting, including handling and presenting for educational programs for large audiences, small audiences, and/or small groups.
Ability to work as a firearms team member.
Open water SCUBA certification or equivalent.
Current CPR and 1st AID certification.
Physical Requirements
Current rabies vaccination and negative TB or ability to become Rabies vaccinated and complete a negative TB test within the probationary period and complete ongoing Rabies titer testing. The MN Zoo will cover the cost of your vaccines if you schedule your appointment through our occupational health clinic, upon hire.
Exposure to some zoonotic diseases and potent immobilization agents/drugs for treatment of animals
Exposure to a wide variety of pesticides and potentially dangerous equipment and machinery on a regular basis
Ability to differentiate colors
Ability to routinely work with potentially dangerous domestic animals
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year round
Ability to negotiate all @types of terrain
Ability to use hand/finger coordination to manipulate items and operate hand and/or power tools
Ability to lift, carry and/or move up to 50 pounds
Ability to lift and move large objects as a team over uneven terrain
Ability to push/pull up to 90 pounds
Ability to shovel to clean animal areas and work areas
Ability to bend and crouch occasionally throughout the day
Ability to climb stairs and ladders occasionally throughout the day
Ability to tolerate loud noises regularly throughout the day
Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time throughout the day
Ability to wear N95 face masks/respirators
Ability to grip 34 pounds to operate power washer intermittently for up to 60 minutes
Additional Requirements
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check including fingerprinting
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
