Chehaw Park & Zoo is seeking a dependable, motivated professional to join our animal husbandry team.  Accredited by the Zoological Association of America, Chehaw is committed to excellence in animal care, welfare, conservation, and guest engagement. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in animal husbandry, zoological safety, and captive wildlife management. Responsibilities include maintaining clean, safe, and enriching habitats for a diverse collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates while supporting exceptional animal welfare and positive guest experiences.  Success in this role requires strong teamwork, attention to detail, and adaptability. 

Basic Job Duties

• Attend to assigned animals; prepare diets, feed, and provide water; sanitize enclosure furniture/floors and food/water dishes as scheduled or necessary; perform approved enrichment and training activities; assist in the capture and restraint of animals 
• Inspect animals for health problems; collect fecal samples for testing; condition/train animals for veterinary procedures; assist veterinarians with medical exams and procedures, including surgery and necropsy; administer medications to animals 
• Record relevant information in facility’s recordkeeping database, including animal observations, health concerns and treatments, acquisitions/births, dispositions/deaths, etc.; objectively complete animal welfare assessments, as assigned 
• Perform routine repairs and maintenance on exhibits/enclosures as needed; construct improvements, furnishings, and decorations for exhibits; may replace substrate, control weeds, and collect browse 
• Assist in planning and conducting educational and interactive guest programs; engage the public to encourage curiosity and facilitate a positive experience 
• Support institution’s Vision, Mission, and Value statements; maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of fellow staff, volunteers, and guests 

Education and Prerequisites

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to/from work 
• Previous animal husbandry experience preferred 
• Adequate knowledge about exotic animal husbandry and captive management; ability to build upon this knowledge and to adapt as necessary to animal collection changes
• Basic computer skills 
• Must be able to lift 60 pounds and work outdoors in all weather conditions on a daily basis; must be able to tolerate strong odors, dust, hay, dander, and dampness; may be required to stand or sit for extended periods of time and/or to twist, bend, crouch, squat, climb, crawl, kneel, jump, swim, or carry objects for short distances; may be exposed to chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts, vehicles, and potentially dangerous animals 
• Willingness to participate in staff vaccination program to prevent zoonotic disease transfer, scheduled as recommended by CDC; may include tetanus, TB skin test, rabies, Hepatitis A & B, Influenza 
• All job offers are contingent upon acceptable background investigation and drug test results 

Compensation and Benefits 

• Full-time (40-hours per week), hourly 
• Commensurate with experience, generally $28k-34k per year 
• Benefits include paid-time-off; sick time; vision, dental, and health insurance; retirement plan 
• Participation in staff vaccination program 
• Relocation package available to eligible new hires
• Chehaw is committed to providing employees with opportunities for development and advancement 

Living in the Albany, Georgia Area 

The Albany metropolitan area in southwest Georgia offers convenient commuting options and a variety of residential opportunities. Nearby communities include: 

• Leesburg: Approximately 13% below the national cost of living average; 18-minute commute
• Putney: Approximately 28% below the national cost of living average; 15-minute commute
• Sylvester: Approximately 26% below the national cost of living average; 28-minute commute
• Sasser: Approximately 24% below the national cost of living average; 22-minute commute

Cost-of-living figures and commute times are approximate and may vary.