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 section include lemurs, otters, bats, pigs, petting yard, tortoises, alligators, various herpetofauna, invertebrates, and ambassador animals. Work ranges from the physical tasks associated with feeding and maintenance of the animal living areas to more analytical tasks of planning, record keeping, and communication.
- 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.
- Most of the time is spent in basic String coverage, making time available for Supervising Primaries and Primaries to complete other projects and administrative responsibilities.
- The Animal Keeper may take directions from the Senior Keeper, Lead Keeper and/or the Zoological Manager regarding daily operations, as appropriate.
- This position is for a Temporary Float Keeper, who is trained to cover a portion of the animal strings in the section.
- The Float Keeper is expected to cover strings in the absence of the primary keeper(s) or assist and support 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
- Ability to engage positively with zoo guests
- Implement Department/Zoo priorities as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements
- 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
- Perform other related duties as required and assigned
Experience Required
- 1 year (minimum of 2080 working hours) of captive wildlife care at AZA facility or equivalent (GFAS, WAZA).
- Unpaid experience acceptable.
- Demonstrates appropriate taxa knowledge, husbandry knowledge, and keeper skills.
- Comfort working around people - including children Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e., feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e., hay bale) Valid driver’s license and clean driving record Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wild, dangerous animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions.
- Available to work 4-8 hour shifts 2-4 days per week during and outside of normal business hours, including weekends and most holidays, averaging <20 hr/wk Medical requirements: COVID vaccination-required by Oakland Zoo Negative TB test within the last year Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years Bonus if you have: Bachelor's degree or specialized associate's degree (ex. Moorpark) preferred Some experience working around animals in a zoo or rehab setting Experience with the safe use of power tools
Further Comments
- This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement Note:
- This is a temporary position, starting on May 1, 2025 with anticipated end date of September 30, 2025.*
Salary
- $27.16 per hour
