Are you ready to lead with passion, inspire a team, and make a difference in desert conservation? The Living Desert is seeking an energetic and dedicated Animal Care Lead Keeper to join our Wildlife Connections team, a dynamic group at the heart of our mission to support desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation.
About the Role
- As an Animal Care Lead Keeper, you’ll take a hands-on leadership role ensuring the highest standards of animal care, husbandry, and behavioral management for our remarkable desert animal ambassadors.
- You’ll mentor keepers, support daily operations, and collaborate closely with the Curator and Assistant Curator to deliver excellence in animal care and guest engagement.
- This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to lead, teach, inspire, and grow in a team dedicated to connecting people with wildlife and driving meaningful conservation impact.
What You’ll Do
- Provide world-class care, enrichment, and behavioral training for desert species.
- Mentor and train Animal Care Keepers while ensuring top-notch animal welfare practices.
- Support the Curator and Assistant Curator in implementing innovative management strategies.
- Maintain compliance with all AZA and USDA standards and procedures.
- Act as a bridge between leadership and keeper staff, promoting collaboration and open communication.
- Deliver uncompromising excellence in animal care, well-being, and guest experiences.
- Lead and participate in projects that enhance animal care, programs, and facilities.
- Serve as a role model for safety, professionalism, and positivity within the Animal Care team.
- Minimum two years of animal care experience or equivalent in a zoological setting.
What We’re Looking For
- A motivated leader with strong animal husbandry and behavioral management knowledge.
- Excellent communicator and mentor with a collaborative, team-first mindset.
- A proactive problem solver with exceptional organization and critical thinking skills.
- Passionate about conservation, education, and providing outstanding guest experiences.
Perks of the Job:
- Starting pay: $25.99/hour (non-exempt), with opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
- Work from a brand-new $10 million office complex within a stunning 80-acre desert oasis campus, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Coachella Valley — with easy access to mountains, ocean, lakes, and vibrant city life.
- Lead groundbreaking projects that revolutionize animal care, habitat design, and conservation efforts.
- Receive competitive compensation and a medical/dental/vision benefits package fully paid for by the zoo.
- Enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and family membership to the zoo.
- Receive a yearly stipend for work footwear and up to a $35 reimbursement towards a professional affiliation of your choice.
- Be part of an inclusive, innovative culture shaping the future of modern zoos.
- Experience unique, hands-on opportunities to work with and learn from incredible animals and team members.
- Make a real and lasting impact on global wildlife conservation efforts through participation in our Agents of Conservation program, where team members can engage directly in species-saving projects.
Why Join The Living Desert?
- You’ll join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to protecting desert species and inspiring others to care for the natural world.
- At The Living Desert, every day is a chance to make a difference — for the animals, the guests, and the planet.
Apply Today!
- If you’re ready to lead with purpose, care with passion, and inspire conservation, we want to hear from you!
- Join The Living Desert’s Wildlife Connections team and help us create unforgettable experiences that connect hearts and minds to the wonders of the desert world.
- Join the Movement!
- If you're ready to embark on this exciting journey into the Zoo of the Future, we want to hear from you!
- To apply, visit our website www.livingdesert.org/careers and submit your resume, three professional references, and a compelling cover letter detailing why you're the perfect fit for the Animal Care Lead Keeper Wildlife Connections position.
- Join us in creating a world where humans and desert wildlife thrive together, where every day is an adventure, and where the future is brighter because of your dedication.
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is more than just a place, it's a movement, and we want you to be a part of it.
- Discover, Connect, Protect – The Zoo of the Future Awaits!
Experience Required
- Qualifications:
- AA, AS or higher degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree and at least one year of exotic animal experience preferred.
- Bachelor degree preferred.
- Experience with animal training and public presentations a plus.
- Will substitute training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities. Generally, one year of full time exotic animal experience will translate to one year of college.
- Valid California driver license.
- Must be insurable on The Living Desert's automobile policy.
- Covid vaccination plus one booster required.
- Annual TB test with negative reading required.
Equipment Used:
- PC computer, general office equipment, telephone, radio, electric and gas cart, vehicles including but not limited to medium to heavy equipment such as Bobcat equipment, tractor, pepper spray (Counter Assault Bear Deterrent),rake, shovel, wheel barrow, catch pole, capture net, baffle board, snake hook, weight scale, garden hose, small hand held and power tools such as hammer, screwdriver, drill, wire cutters etc.
Working Conditions: ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS:
- Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting up to 50lbs.
TYPICALWORKING CONDITIONS:
- Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, and dust/airborne materials.
- Work with potentially dangerous animals (i.e. large ungulates, carnivores, venomous animals).
HOLIDAY WORK:
- Holiday and weekend work required.
TRAVEL:
- Occasional conference and workshop attendance available, if funding available.
- Some or all expenses paid.
- This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive.
- It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job.
- The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.
Perks
Perks of the Job:
- Starting pay: $25.99/hour (non-exempt), with opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
- Work from a brand-new $10 million office complex within a stunning 80-acre desert oasis campus, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Coachella Valley — with easy access to mountains, ocean, lakes, and vibrant city life.
- Lead groundbreaking projects that revolutionize animal care, habitat design, and conservation efforts.
- Receive competitive compensation and a medical/dental/vision benefits package fully paid for by the zoo.
- Enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and family membership to the zoo.
- Receive a yearly stipend for work footwear and up to a $35 reimbursement towards a professional affiliation of your choice.
- Be part of an inclusive, innovative culture shaping the future of modern zoos.
- Experience unique, hands-on opportunities to work with and learn from incredible animals and team members.
- Make a real and lasting impact on global wildlife conservation efforts through participation in our Agents of Conservation program, where team members can engage directly in species-saving projects.
Salary
- $25.99/hr
