Animal Care Employment Application

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Southwick's Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to veteran/military status, race, color, religion, sex/gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), alienage or citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. THIS APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT IS NOT AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT. The Company provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities to assist in the hiring process, as required by applicable federal, state, and local law. Individuals can request an accommodation to complete this application or to participate in the interview process by contacting Human Resources.
Do you have prior work experience?*
Applicants without previous job experience are applying to a General Zoo Employee position and may work in a variety of areas within the zoo such as retail, food & beverage, attractions, parking, etc. While we take preferences into consideration, please note that, if hired, department and position placement will be determined by what hiring management feel is the best fit for the applicant.
Date available to start*
Please select the earliest date you are available to begin working. The zoo's regular season runs from April through October 31. Note: If you are a student only available weekends until end of semester, please select the earliest weekend you are available to work.
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Please indicate which Animal Care Department you are applying for.

Applicant Information
Name*
First Last
Address*
Street Address City State ZIP Code
Cell Phone*
Home Phone
Email*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Are you a citizen of the United States?*
- Yes
- No
Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?*
- Yes
- No
Are you OVER 18 years of age?*
All zookeeping applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and certain positions require a minimum age of 18 years, with specified experience.
- Yes, I am 18 and over
- No, I am UNDER 18

Please select your current status.*
What is your current employment status?*
Have you ever previously worked or applied to work for Southwick's Zoo?*
- Yes, I have previously worked at Southwick's Zoo
- I have previously applied, but have not worked at Southwick's Zoo
- No
When did you work at Southwick's and in what position?*
Who was your supervisor?*
What position did you apply for?*
Do you have any previous animal care/animal related experience?
- Yes
- No
Please explain/describe:
Please list any friends or family that have worked at Southwick's Zoo, if applicable.
Do you have any commitments to any other employer which could affect your employment with this Company if hired (for example, an employment agreement, a non-competition, or non-solicitation agreement, etc.)?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please provide more information.*

Availability
All positions require weekend and holiday availability (unless specified otherwise in position description). Schedules will vary weekly, and we cannot guarantee set hours or days. Our regular zoo season runs from April through October.
Please list days of the week you will not be available to work and why?*
Please be aware that you will not be guaranteed the following days off if hired. We do try to accommodate as best we can, but there will be times when we cannot.
Are you available to work during weekends and holidays?*

Education
High School
High School Attended:*
Did you graduate?*
Years attended:*
If a high school student, what grade are you in?*
Will you be available to work weekends during the school year?*
- Yes
- No
If no, please explain why.*
College/University
These positions require a bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology/Life Sciences, Wildlife Science/Biology, Zoo Science/Zoo Management, Veterinary Technology, or a related field, or a minimum of three years of relevant experience. Candidates who possess both are preferred.
Did you attend college? Or are you currently in college?
Name of College*
Major/Degree*
Did you graduate?*
- Yes
- No
- I am currently enrolled
Year of graduation*
If currently enrolled, what year are you in and when do you expect to graduate*

Employment History
Please check off any previous experiences
- Volunteer work
- Internship
- Other
- No other work experiences
Please provide more information*
Employer Information
Company*
Type of Business
Phone*
Address*
Street Address City State ZIP Code
Supervisor*
May we contact your previous/current employer?*
- Yes
- No
If no, please explain why.*
Your Job Title*
Starting salary or hourly wage*
Ending salary or hourly wage*
Dates Employed*
DD/MM/YY - DD/MM/YY
Responsibilities*
What did you like most about your position?*
What did you like least about your position?*
If no longer employed at this position, please list reason why.*
Note: We will be verifying previous employment. If there is a better contact for verification, please list name and phone number.

Reference
Please provide one non-family reference we may contact.
Name*
Relationship*
Phone*

APPLICATION CERTIFICATION*
- I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. If this application leads to employment, I understand that false or misleading information in my application or interview may result in my release.
I understand and agree that if driving is a requirement of the job for which I am applying, my employment and/or continued employment is contingent on possessing a valid driver's license for the state in which I reside and automobile liability insurance in an amount equal to the minimum required by the state where I reside. I understand that the Company may now have, or may establish, a drug-free workplace or drug and/or alcohol testing program consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. If the Company has such a program and I am offered a conditional offer of employment, I understand that if a pre-employment (post-offer) unlawful drug and/or alcohol test is positive, the employment offer may be withdrawn where allowed by law. I agree to work under the conditions requiring a drug-free workplace, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. I also understand that all employees of the location, pursuant to the Company's policy and federal, state, and local law, may be subject to urinalysis or other medically recognized tests designed to detect the presence of alcohol or illegal or controlled drugs. If employed, I understand that alcohol and/or drug testing may be a condition of continual employment and I agree to undergo alcohol and drug testing consistent with the Company's policies and applicable federal, state, and local law. If employed by the Company, I understand and agree that the Company, to the extent permitted by federal, state, and local law, may exercise its right, without prior warning or notice, to conduct investigations of Company property (including, but not limited to, files, lockers, desks, vehicles, and computers) and, in certain circumstances, my personal property. I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE NO EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY IN COMPANY PROPERTY. I understand and agree that as a condition of employment and to the extent permitted by federal, state, and local law, I may be required to sign a confidentiality, restrictive covenant, and/or conflict of interest statement. I certify that all the information on this application, my résumé, or any supporting documents I may present during any interview is and will be true, complete and accurate, to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification, misrepresentation, or omission of any information may result in disqualification from further consideration for employment or, if employed, disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal, regardless of when such information is discovered. The Company considers this Application for Employment to be a part of the personnel record. THIS COMPANY IS AN AT-WILL EMPLOYER WHERE ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE STATE LAW. THIS MEANS THAT REGARDLESS OF ANY PROVISION IN THIS APPLICATION, IF HIRED, THE COMPANY OR I MAY TERMINATE THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE OR NOTICE. NOTHING IN THIS APPLICATION OR IN ANY DOCUMENT OR STATEMENT, WRITTEN OR ORAL, SHALL LIMIT THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL. I UNDERSTAND THAT NO COMPANY EMPLOYEE OR REPRESENTATIVE HAS THE AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT REGARDING DURATION OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OTHER THAN THE PRESIDENT/CEO OF THE COMPANY AND THEN ONLY BY MEANS OF A WRITTEN CONTRACT SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT/CEO. I authorize the Company and/or its agents to confirm all statements contained in this application and/or résumé as it relates to the position I am seeking, to the extent permitted by federal, state, or local law. Federal law and some states require a separate disclosure and consent when obtaining background reports from a consumer reporting agency. I understand I will be asked to complete any requisite consent forms for the background check which may be required by federal, state and/or local law. I agree to sign these forms and understand that my offer of employment may be conditional upon the background check. I AUTHORIZE AND CONSENT TO, WITHOUT RESERVATION, ANY PARTY OR AGENCY CONTACTED BY THIS EMPLOYER (INCLUDING ANY AND ALL PRIOR EMPLOYERS OF MINE) TO FURNISH INFORMATION REGARDING MY PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT HISTORY AND/OR ANY OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED INFORMATION. I hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless, to the extent permitted by federal, state, and local law, any party delivering information to the Company pursuant to this authorization from any liability, claims, charges, or causes of action which I may have as a result of the delivery or disclosure of the above requested information. I hereby release from liability the Company for seeking such information and all other persons, corporations, or organizations furnishing such information. If hired by the Company, I understand that I will be required to provide genuine documentation establishing my identity and eligibility to be legally employed in the United States by this Company as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. I also understand this Company employs only individuals who are legally eligible to work in the United States.
How did you hear about our employment opportunities?
Resume or CV Upload
Max. file size: 128 MB.

Interested applicants should submit their resume or CV here.

Animal Care Application

2026 Animal Care Application

Step 1 of 8

Applicant Information

Availability

Education

High School

College/University

Employment History

Employer Information

Reference

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