Keeper/Trainer Position
Full time @Lion Habitat Ranch Shortlist Email JobJob Detail
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Job ID 9694
Job Description
Are you a self‑starter who brings ideas to the table? Do you thrive in a workplace where teamwork, humor, and resilience help you navigate even the toughest days? If so, you may be an excellent fit for the Lion Habitat Ranch.
We are a non‑profit zoological facility accredited by the Zoological Association of America in Las Vegas, NV, dedicated to expanding educational programming, strengthening enrichment opportunities, and deepening our connection with the community. Over the past year, we’ve grown our training and enrichment initiatives, increased keeper led themed events, and received Haas Foundation grants to support student engagement within the Clark County School District. With new events and potential expansion on the horizon, it’s an exciting time to join our team.
Position Overview
The Keeper/Trainer position is a full‑time, hourly role (five eight‑hour shifts per week). This role is hands‑on, physically demanding, and essential to the daily operation of the ranch. Responsibilities include:
Animal Care & Training
- Daily husbandry: feeding, weighing, diet preparation, cleaning, and exhibit maintenance
- Training and enrichment for lions, psittacines, ratites, tortoises, and our beloved guard dog, Diesel
- Monitoring animal behavior and welfare, reporting concerns promptly
Guest Engagement & Tours
- Interacting with visitors and answering questions
- Leading or assisting with tours, educational presentations, and guest experiences
- Sharing stories about our animals and promoting conservation awareness
Maintenance & Facility Operations
- Assisting with general ranch maintenance, including cleaning, repairs, and upkeep of animal areas and public spaces
- Supporting horticulture tasks such as watering, trimming, raking, and maintaining plant life throughout the property
- Helping ensure the ranch remains clean, safe, and presentable for guests and animals alike
A typical day begins with essential feeding, cleaning, and facility upkeep, followed by guest interaction, tours, and ongoing operational tasks that support the ranch as a whole.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Prior experience in a zoological setting and familiarity with operant conditioning are strong advantages
Physical Requirements
- Ability to bend, reach, climb, lift, push, pull, and carry at least 50 lbs
- Comfortable working outdoors in a desert environment with extreme heat, cold, dust, and wind
- Able to stand for long periods and perform physically demanding tasks throughout the day
Interpersonal Skills
- Outgoing, creative, confident, and self‑motivated
- Able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment
- Strong public speaking and guest‑engagement abilities
Vaccination Requirement
- Must be fully vaccinated for COVID‑19 and have received at least one booster shot
Compensation & Benefits
- $17/hour
- Health benefits available after 60 days
- Eligibility for retirement savings at 6 months
- Eight free general admission passes per year
- Additional supplemental benefits currently in development
How to Apply
Please email your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to LHRvolunteers@gmail.com.
This position will remain open until filled.
Join our team and help support every aspect of the Lion Habitat Ranch from animal care to guest education to the behind‑the‑scenes work that keeps our mission thriving.
