The Jackson Zoological Society, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons because of age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, gender, ethnic or national origin, or veteran status. The Jackson Zoo prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability.

Positions Available

ZOOKEEPER

Full time position, hourly rate based on experience. Benefits available after a probationary period. Must have high school diploma or G.E.D.

Job Summary: This is a full time entry level position in caring for the animals and facilities in the Discovery Area (childrens zoo) of the Jackson Zoo. Involves skilled work in the care of a varied animal collection and the maintenance of sanitary conditions of buildings, grounds and enclosures. Checks diets and prepared foods prior to distributing them to the animal collection. Work is performed in accordance to a schedule and direction provided by a lead keeper. This is also a highly visible public position.

Special Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

Ability and/or knowledge of the care and feeding of animals. Prior zoo experience a plus. Ability to deal tactfully with the general public and large groups of children. Ability to maintain effective working relations with co-workers in a team environment. Able to lift 50 pounds. Sufficient manual dexterity to develop needed work skills to handle tools and equipment used in routine work duty. Willingness to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.

Apply by mailing resume to Jackson Zoo, 2918 West Capitol Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39209 attn: General Curator; or by filling out an application at the Jackson Zoo; or by emailing to General Curator with Keeper Position in the subject line.

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Zoo Rangers

Full and part time hourly positions, reports to the Security Manager. Maintains security of the Jackson Zoo and during day and/or evening hours. Patrols and monitors grounds, entrances, exits and parking areas. Ensures the security of visitors, staff, animal collection, and all operational facilities. High school diploma with one to two years experience as a security guard, park ranger; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills and abilities. Individuals in current training for law enforcement programs may qualify as well. Able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with management and employees, able to communicate with the visitor in a positive and friendly manner. Current possession or ability to earn standard first aid certificate and CPR certification. Possession of valid Mississippi driver’s license. Able to work flexible hours. Able to walk, or stand for up to eight hour shifts minus scheduled breaks. Able to work outside in all weather conditions. Must be able to lift/carry weights of up to 25 pounds.

Apply by emailing resume to mjoiner@jacksonzoo.org or filling out an application at the Jackson Zoo.

Staff Veterinarian

The Jackson Zoological Society, Inc. is seeking qualified applicants to fill the newly established position of Staff Veterinarian.

The qualified candidate will possess a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an accredited university along with two years of veterinary care experiences within a zoological institution. Must possess or obtain a valid State of Mississippi Veterinary License, driver's license and applicable Drug Enforcement Agency registration withing 60 days of hire. Will be required to work occasional weekends and holidays and to respond to emergencies.

Please download complete job description, requirements and responsibilities. PDF File

Submit salary requirements, resume / CV and a cover letter to Dave Wetzel, Deputy Director, Jackson Zoological Society, Inc.. 2918 West Capital Street, Jackson, MS 39209 or email to Dave Wetzel.

EDUCATION CURATOR

Jackson Zoo is seeking an Education Curator which will be responsible for the development, promotion and implementation of programs to increase the public’s environmental awareness and concern for the conservation and preservation of wildlife. This is a full-time managerial position answering to the Deputy Director and overseeing all aspects of the zoo’s education program; and a highly visible public position, requiring an outgoing personality. A responsible, self-motivated individual and animal oriented person is necessary for this job. Because of the nature of the zoo business, all zoo employees must be available to work weekends.

Development of units of elementary and secondary instruction to interface with the curriculum of schools, including pre-visit (in-service teacher training), zoo visit and pre visit material for targeted grade levels. Development of appropriate professional relationships to reinforce the zoo’s public education involvement.

Assessment, preparation and implementation of a phased plan of general public programs to offer the zoo’s visitors the maximum educational experience possible, including the use of presentations, tours, printed materials, docent presence, and all community outreach.

Ability to present educational programs in an entertaining manner that provides a meaningful experience and trains others in same. Serve as zoo staff liaison and advisor to the Docent Council; provide material and training for outreach and in-zoo programs.

Qualifications: Degree from an accredited university; preferably in the area of Science Education, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Development, or equivalent zoo experience. Knowledge of the Zoo’s educational animal collection, in both composition and handling procedures.

Apply by mailing resume to Jackson Zoo, 2918 West Capitol Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39209 attn: Deputy Director; or by emailing to dlwetzel@jacksonzoo.org with Education Curator in the subject line.

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Education Assistant / Programs

Year round hourly position. This is an educational front line position doing presentations and serving as an instructor. This position's primary responsibility will be presentations on the Zoo grounds, off site with the ZooMobile, and in a classroom setting. Will also assist with scheduling, docent training and special events.

Specific Responsibilities

To assist in the development of presentations to visitors, school groups, and classroom programs.
To assist with identifying the topics and subjects to be covered in a season, coordinating with overall zoo mission.
To develop new curricula for the ZooMobile yearly, specifically targeting elementary and middle school students.
To give guided tours of the zoo collection including conservation messages
To assist with Wildlife Theatre performances, performing solo when needed.
To assist in maintaining statistics on all programs

To promote the Zoo's Education Department through special community appearances.
To assist Education Curator with the teaching of other education classes when needed.

Apply by mailing resume to Jackson Zoo, 2918 West Capitol Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39209; or by filling out an application at Jackson Zoo, or by emailing to info@jacksonzoo.org.

Open until filled

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