If you are looking for a keeper role that provides the opportunity to work with multiple species, with a strong, diverse team this could be an opportunity for you. The Animal Keeper, (Floating Keeper) works across animal strings and has the opportunity to care for a variety of species: baboons, gibbons, squirrel monkeys, chimps, amazon parrots, pudu, cotton top tamarins, siamang, sun bears, flamingos, hadada ibis, spoonbills, wallaroo, wallabies and emu.
- 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 the Zoological Manager regarding daily operations as appropriate.
- This role will cover strings in the absence of the primary Animal Keeper(s) and will assist the primary keeper with 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
- 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
- Physical Considerations- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e., feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e., hay bale)
- Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)
Experience Required
- Minimum of one year full time or 2,080 hours experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility) Valid driver’s license and clean driving record Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays 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, up to date tetanus, and negative TB test*
Further Comments
- This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement
Perks
- Comprehensive benefits package includes medical,
- dental
- , life insurance,
- PTO (Paid Time Off),
- Union pension,
- and a Friends & Family Zoo Membership.
Salary
- $26.47 per hour
