Job Description

Job Title:

Lead Animal Care Specialist

Department:

Zoo Operations

Reports to:

Curator

Location:

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport, CT

Employment Type:

Nonexempt; Full Time

Position Summary:

The Lead Zoo Keeper is responsible for providing daily supervision and guidance to the Keeper Staff to ensure the highest standards of animal care, welfare, and safety in accordance with USDA and AZA accreditation guidelines. This position plays a key role in maintaining the health and well-being of the animal collection, supporting educational and interpretive initiatives, and contributing to conservation and research efforts aimed at the protection and propagation of endangered species.


The Lead Zoo Keeper performs both supervisory and hands-on animal husbandry duties, including the cleaning, feeding, and care of assigned species, as well as the maintenance and repair of animal enclosures, exhibits, and facilities. This position also assists in exhibit design, animal transfers, and other operational needs as directed.


The ideal candidate demonstrates strong leadership and teamwork skills, the ability to motivate and support staff and volunteers, and a commitment to fostering a positive public image of the Zoo and its mission. The Lead Zoo Keeper must be able to work collaboratively with colleagues and management to uphold professional standards of animal care and guest engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(Including but not limited to)

Provide daily supervision, direction, and support to Keeper Staff, volunteers, and work crews under the guidance of the CEO or Curator. Ensure all assigned animal exhibits and holding areas are cleaned and maintained according to established standards, utilizing appropriate tools and cleaning agents to safeguard animal health and safety, and to meet Animal Welfare Act requirements. Evaluate and respond to animal needs based on environmental factors, species-specific considerations, and individual animal health or behavior. Prepare and deliver animal diets in accordance with specifications provided by the Zoo Veterinarian or Curator. Monitor and assess animal health and behavior daily through direct observation, recordkeeping, and collaboration with veterinary and husbandry teams. Maintain accurate animal and area records, including daily reports and updates in institutional databases such as ZIMS or ARKS, as required. Track and manage inventory of food, supplies, and materials; coordinate procurement as needed. Identify and recommend improvements in animal care, exhibit design, and visitor engagement. Participate in the safe capture, restraint, and transfer of animals for medical treatment or relocation, following approved handling protocols and utilizing appropriate equipment and medication. Administer prescribed treatments and medications under the direction of the Zoo Veterinarian or Curator. Assist the Curator with routine and unscheduled inspections of exhibits and facilities to ensure compliance with safety, welfare, and operational standards. Facilitate effective communication between Keeper Staff and Zoo management; submit timely and accurate daily reports and updates. Participate in staff training initiatives and contribute to developing procedures that enhance animal care and operational efficiency. Maintain vegetation and plant life in and around animal exhibits to ensure proper presentation and habitat quality. Perform manual labor as needed, including moving feed bags, cleaning materials, and other physical tasks necessary for exhibit maintenance. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous and informative manner, representing the Zoo's mission and values. Support educational and promotional events and programs as requested. Exercise sound judgment in making independent decisions regarding animal care and exhibit operations in the absence of supervisory personnel. Meet regularly with Zoo management to review departmental goals, objectives, and performance metrics. Promote and enforce safety procedures for staff, animals, and guests, and assist in safety training and emergency preparedness efforts.

Other Duties as Assigned

Perform skilled and semi-skilled maintenance work on buildings, grounds, and animal exhibits as needed. Participate in discussions and decision-making related to exhibit design, animal acquisition and disposition, and other animal management activities. Perform additional duties as required to ensure the safety of staff, animals, and guests; protect Zoo property; and support departmental operations when workload demands exceed available resources within the assigned job classification.

Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Life Sciences, Zoology, or a related field required. Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a zoological or animal care facility. Experience within an AZA-accredited institution is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.



While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to use their hands to handle, feel, or operate objects and tools, and to reach with hands and arms. The role also requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, talking, and hearing, as well as occasional stooping, kneeling, or crouching. The employee is frequently required to work in close proximity to zoo animals and their habitats, including handling animals and performing tasks within animal enclosures. The employee must occasionally lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds. Visual requirements include the ability to see closeup and at a distance, distinguish colors, use peripheral vision, perceive depth, and adjust focus. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.*

Working Conditions and Environment:

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Work is performed primarily in an outdoor environment and in close proximity to both large and small animals. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather conditions, varying temperatures, and other environmental factors consistent with outdoor animal care and zoo operations. Employees must be able to share workspace, adhere to safety protocols, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required (e.g., gloves, safety glasses, uniforms, etc.). * As the Zoo operates year-round, 362 days per year, availability to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events is required.