This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
*Note: This is a part-time temporary position expected to end on April 30, 2026.*
Payrate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay rate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $22.50 per hour. An offer at this payrate will be our best and final compensation offer.
Applications accepted until January 8, 2026.
Position Summary
Keeper Aides get valuable experience in this entry-level position in the Animal Care, Conservation & Research (ACCR) department at Oakland Zoo. The position provides support for animal keepers in their daily work and projects. Primary duties for this position are assisting the Zoo’s commissary staff and assisting the staff in the goat and sheep petting yard.
Essential Job Duties
- Prepare diets, deliver meals, clean and sanitize work areas, restock supplies, and complete additional assigned projects in the Commissary.
- Clean and maintain the goat and sheep barn and petting yard; clean and set up animal holding areas.
- Sweep, rake, shovel, hose, scrub, move heavy objects, operate a wheelbarrow, climb ladders, weed, prune, and use knives and other tools as needed.
- Perform other related duties as required and assigned
Supervisory Responsibility
- No supervisory responsibility
Who You Are
- Excellent guest service communication skills and attitude
- Able to follow instructions and carry out responsibilities safely to avoid injury to themselves, other employees, visitors, and animals
- Able to work independently, thoroughly completing duties within specified periods of time
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions
- Medical requirements:
- Negative TB test within the last year
- Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years
- Available to work 6-8 hour shifts 2-4 days per week during and outside of normal business hours, including weekends and most holidays, averaging <20 hr/week
Bonus If You Have
- Some experience working around animals in a zoo or rehab setting
- Comfort working around people - including children
- Experience with the safe use of power tools
- High school diploma or GED
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.)
Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.
- Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
- Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
- Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
- Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
- Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife
Benefits
Oakland Zoo offers part-time employees a valuable benefits package, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Paid Sick Time, optional 403b Retirement Plan, and a Zoo Membership. They also have access to various perks, discounts, and programs to enhance their overall experience.
Who We Are
Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission is to deepen connections with animals, save wildlife, and inspire champions for the natural world. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.
Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access
We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race, and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.
The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, QAOV status, or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Oakland Zoo participates in E-Verify to verify work authorization.
