Facility
Oakland Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
A Supervising Primary Animal Keeper is a Senior or Lead -level position, responsible for the daily management of the string animals and facilities. This position is responsible for the daily management of our Education Animal Room which houses a variety of birds, reptiles, and small mammals in our ambassador animal program, as well as supervising the string staff that includes relief, floating, and apprentice keepers, plus interns, volunteers, and behavioral observers. This position requires excellent animal training, time management, and staff/volunteer supervision skill sets; the position does not participate in conducting education programming. A Senior Animal Keeper must be an experienced keeper in the field with experience in the areas of animal care/management and supervision of paid staff and unpaid volunteers/interns, including leadership training/conflict management. Work ranges from the physical tasks associated with feeding, enrichment, and maintenance of the animals’ living areas to more analytical tasks of planning, record keeping and communication. The Senior Animal Keeper is expected to have or develop the appropriate level of knowledge of the natural history and captive wildlife management under their care to insure the best possible physical and psychological well-being of the animals in his/her care. The Senior Animal Keeper is expected to be able to 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. S/he is expected to implement Department/Zoo priorities as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements, which may include Departmental administrative tasks. S/he is expected to guide and support junior staff and volunteers as appropriate. The Senior Animal Keeper takes direction from the Zoological Manager and Department Vice President regarding daily operations as appropriate. S/he must also be able to represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes, and casual communication with Zoo guests. The Senior Keeper is expected to be active as a department leader and can be expected to cover department function and emergency response coordination in the absence of Zoological Manager or Department Vice President. Other string duties and special projects can be assigned as needed.
Education and Pre-requisites
Job Requirements
1. At least three years full time professional experience in the care of wildlife at an AZA zoo or comparable facility.
2. Excellent communication skills. Ability to train, inspire, coach, set expectations, and provide feedback with a wide variety of people including docents, teen volunteers, and Education staff.
3. Good physical condition: able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e., feed sack) and move a minimum of 120lbs. (i.e. hay bale)
4. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
5. Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends and holidays
6. Good written and verbal communications skills
7. Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wild animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions
Experience and Qualities Preferred
1. Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or a related field.
2. Knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application
3. Experience with small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, raptors, parrots, and invertebrates
Compensation and benefits
$25.11-28.00/hour, pay commensurate with experience and position. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance; two weeks of vacation and eleven paid holidays annually.
Application instructions
TO APPLY:
Submit resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references via email only to:
Colleen Kinzley, Vice President ACCR colleen@oaklandzoo.org
Candidates not meeting minimum requirements will not receive a response. Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.