Who We Are

Virginia Living Museum is a leader in natural living exhibits! Native Virginia mammals, marine life, reptiles, amphibians, birds, plants and planets are presented in natural ecosystems and honored for our ability to connect people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation.

Accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (living exhibits) and the American Alliance of Museums (non-live collections), the Museum’s high standards are its hallmark, as only sixteen institutions share this designation in the country. Community volunteers outnumber staff by approximately 7:1 for incredible mission delivery. The Museum is a certified Virginia Green attraction dedicated to environmentally friendly practices and education.

Our full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including 35 days of paid time off per year (9 holidays, a birthday, 10 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 3 personal days), fully paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance, dental coverage, and health insurance costs full or partially subsidized by the Museum. Additional benefits include a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and the option to participate in a 401(k) retirement plan. Join us in our mission to inspire and connect people with the natural world while benefiting from a supportive and rewarding work environment.

Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt

General Statement of Duties

The Animal Keeper I is responsible for excellent care and welfare of the Museum’s bird, mammal, and collections, both ambassador and exhibit animals. The Animal Keeper I works in cooperation with Living Exhibits staff as well as other departments to achieve established facility/operational and AZA standards.  This position recognizes the capacity to achieve greater results by integrating skilled volunteers, as well as leveraging their diverse knowledge and skills.  This position reports to the Bird and Mammal Curator.

Qualifications

• A passion for animals, their welfare and conservation.
• Bachelor’s degree or current progress towards a degree in biology, zoology, psychology, or related field. Significant professional animal care experience may be considered.
• Minimum 1 year paid animal care experience, exotic (non-domestic), preferably in an AZA facility.
• Experience with current training and enrichment practices and ability to learn proper handling techniques of animals in assigned areas. 
• Proficiency in safe operating procedures with hand and power tools in order to make enclosure/exhibit repairs or improvements while ensuring animal, coworker, and public safety. 
• Excellent reliability, time management, and observational skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to speak to guests of all ages.
• Must be self-reliant, motivated, and able to remain calm, make sound decisions and provide clear directions in a crisis situation.
• Current rabies vaccination or agree to be vaccinated at museum expense.
• First Aid/CPR certified or willing to become at the museums expense.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Be a positive, enthusiastic representative of the Virginia Living Museum

Support excellent animal welfare:

• Acquire, maintain and deploy modern zoological processes and procedures in relation to animals, exhibits, museum policies, procedures, and facilities.
• Provide excellent animal husbandry to include, but not limited to: cleaning, diet preparation, feeding, inspecting/observations, maintaining exhibits, implementing veterinary instructions, nutrition and enrichment programs, and detailed record-keeping in ZIMS record keeping system.  
• Provide regular enrichment to the collection.
• Assist with veterinary care and provide medications as directed.
• Maintain accurate cleaning, feeding, and enrichment records and charts.
• Ensure adequate supplies for animal areas and notify Senior Keeper of low inventory.
• Properly secure all animal enclosures on a daily basis.

Support excellent human welfare:

• Communicate & work effectively with teammates, Senior Keepers and B&M Curator. 
• Work with animal care volunteers:  Including but not limited to proper sanitation of enclosures and dishes; proper diets, protection from zoonosis; recordkeeping; and proper handling of select ambassador and exhibit animals. 
• Enhance guest experience by interacting with museum visitors, answering questions, leading engaging tours, and educational enrichment activities.

Support and ensure safety:

• Follow proper AZA protocols and safety guidelines, report any concerns to Supervisor.
• Follow all quarantine procedures, including the cleaning of foot baths and proper use of PPE. 
• Properly clean and secure all animal enclosures on a daily basis, ensuring safe and well maintained habitats.
• Follow museum dress code. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised: None 

• Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and perceive detailed information through oral communication.
• Must be able to work mornings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to lift and/or exert up to 50 pounds of force alone. 
• Must be comfortable around a variety of animals.
• Must have visual acuity to be able to operate motor vehicles and/or equipment.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, and utilize repetitive motions.
• Must be able to move throughout the Museum’s building(s) and outdoor trail as needed.
• Will be subject to outdoor environmental conditions such as wind, humidity, and extreme temperatures.