Animal Keeper

Animal Keeper

Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $28.73 - $33.48 Per Year

Job Summary: The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. The mission of the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is to save species by using cutting-edge science, sharing knowledge and providing inspirational experiences for our guests.

Major Duties:

• The Animal Keeper position is located at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), at the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Washington, DC. This position may rotate between Animal Programs and the Commissary or be reassigned to one of the three animal care departments depending on animal care requirements. In this position, you will: Provide daily care of animals in the collection ensure the health and welfare of the animals. Work closely with supervisors discussing animal natural history, conservation programs, natural habitats, status of animals in wild, care and feeding. Ensure proper care, feeding, exhibition and propagation of animals. Monitor animals for symptoms of illness, injuries or unusual conditions and reports to Curator, Assistant Curator or Veterinarian. Weigh animals record and report data. Maintain sanitary conditions of food areas and water containers. Clean animal enclosures by hosing, seeping, scrubbing, raking, and removing manure, unconsumed food. Report insect and pest infestations of animals.

Qualifications: In order to be rated qualified, an applicant's overall experience and training must indicate possession of the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the duties of this position such as, the ability to carry out routine animal keeper duties; the ability to understand instructions given by higher level animal keeper personnel; the ability to carry out training and developmental assignments; the ability to catch and handle animals by hand or by using nets without injuring the animals or endangering him/herself; the ability to identify animal species by natural markings such as color; and the ability to operate motorized vehicles/scooters on NZCBI grounds. Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

How to Apply: Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note: You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you). Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages. You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process. The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.

Application Deadline: 2025-12-30