Apprentice Animal Keepers will learn about the physical health and psychological well-being of the animals under their care. Animals in this section include lemurs, otters, bats, pigs, petting yard, tortoises, alligators, various herpetofauna, invertebrates, and ambassador animals. This position also includes working in the zoo’s commissary preparing diets for the majority of the animals in the zoo.
- 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.
- Apprentice Animal Keepers are expected to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the natural history of the species under their care, to conduct ongoing assessment of species physical and psycho-social needs, and to design and implement steps to address these needs (including enrichment and training).
- They must possess sound judgment in the care of wild animals, work cooperatively and communicate well with co-workers, volunteers, and supervisors, and demonstrate good public relations skills with zoo guests.
- 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 Apprentice Animal Keeper may take directions from the Senior Keeper, Lead Keeper and/or the Zoological Manager regarding daily operations, as appropriate.
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 interns 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
- 6 months (minimum of 1040 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 outside of normal business hours, including weekends and most holidays 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 one year position, and is expected to run from May 1, 2025 - May 1, 2026 (or 1 year after start date).
- 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.
Perks
- Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership.
Salary
- $19.27
