Facility
Oakland Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Animal Keepers play a vital role on the ACCR team, taking care of the physical health and psychological well-being of the animals directly under their care. Animals in this diverse section include lemurs, bats, otters, goats, sheep, cats, pigs, rabbits, alligators, tortoises, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and education outreach animals. Work ranges from the physical tasks associated with feeding and maintenance of living areas to more analytical tasks of planning, record keeping, and communication.
The section also includes two support strings: commissary and night keeper. Commissary Keepers are responsible for prepping the majority of the zoo’s animal diets, maintaining diet records, ordering, and supply management. The Night Keeper duties include some commissary support, some diet prep, observation, feeding, and shifting animals throughout the zoo after the day shift leaves. The Night Keeper typically works alone in their duties.
Animal Keepers are expected to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the natural history of the species to support them in providing appropriate care for our animals and direction from the Senior Keeper, Lead Keeper and/or the Zoological Manager regarding daily operations as appropriate.
This position is for a Float Keeper, who is trained to cover three of the four animal areas in the section as well as trained to cover the night keeper. This position will require some night keeper shifts (2:30pm – 11pm). The Float keeper is expected to cover strings in the absence of the primary keeper(s) or assist the primary keeper with the string duties and special projects as needed.
Essential Job Duties
Use the tools of animal observation, enrichment, training and other management methods to ensure the best possible psychological well-being of the animals in their care
Conduct ongoing assessment of their physical and psycho-social needs
Design and implement steps to address these needs
Implement Department/Zoo priorities as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements
Interact with the public
Guide and support junior staff and volunteers as appropriate
Represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes and casual communication with Zoo guests
Education and Pre-requisites
Minimum of two years full time or 4,160 hours experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility).
Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e. feed sack) and move a minimum of 120lbs. (i.e. hay bale)
Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends, holidays, and nights
Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wild, dangerous animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions
The Oakland Zoo requires COVID vaccination*
Knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application
Ability to inspire guests in casual (e.g., one on one) and formal (i.e., programs) venues to take action for conservation
Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or a related field
Compensation and benefits
$26.47 – $30.10 per hour (depending on experience)
Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, life insurance, PTO (Paid Time Off) and 403B retirement benefits.
Application instructions
Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references. References from supervisors are greatly preferred.
Candidates not meeting minimum requirements may not receive a response.
Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.
Click on this link to apply: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/OAK1008OZOO/JobBoard/754619c4-d7c6-489f-83fa-37cd81c2513d/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=4a0bf97f-0837-495a-b455-fd34059265f0&sourceId=0f7bb8a3-d275-4c89-8a2d-e6129dd50d41