Facility
Oakland Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Animal Keeper, CA Trail (Floating) works across two animal strings and has the opportunity to care for a variety of species: Jaguar, Bison, Grizzly/Black Bear, Condor, Bald Eagle, Gray Wolf, and Mountain Lion. This role will cover strings in the absence of the primary keeper(s) or assist the primary keeper with duties and special projects as needed. If you are looking for a keeper role that provides the opportunity to work with multiple species, this could be the fit for you.
California Trail is the latest expansion to the Oakland Zoo and is focused on species that are native, or once were, to California. CA Trail is key in the zoo’s goal to inspire people to connect with our state’s remarkable biodiversity and how to live with wildlife so we can protect their futures. Some of the exciting things happening with conservation in this section include partnering with the Blackfeet Nation to release bison back on landscape, and assisting in the rearing of rescued, non-releasable, mountain lion kittens.
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
Education and Pre-requisites
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), large carnivore experience strongly preferred.
Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e. feed sack) and move a minimum of 120lbs. (i.e. hay bale)
Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends 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*
Knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application
Ability to inspire guests in casual (e.g., one on one) and formal (i.e., programs) venues to take action for conservation
Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or a related field preferred
Compensation and benefits
$24.29 – $25.75 per hour (depending on experience)
Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, life insurance, PTO (Paid Time Off) and 403B retirement benefits.
Application instructions
Follow this link:
https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/OAK1008OZOO/JobBoard/754619c4-d7c6-489f-83fa-37cd81c2513d/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=eaa6c2b0-edf3-4c6f-9322-74f4afd31b94&sourceId=0f7bb8a3-d275-4c89-8a2d-e6129dd50d41