Facility

Oakland Zoo

Closing Date

Description

A Float Animal Keeper is an experienced-level position responsible for the daily management of animals of a string under the direction of a Supervising Primary Keeper. This position is in Section B which includes primates, wallaroo, emu, flamingos, sun bears, Amazon parrots, pudu, and the animals in our Ambassador Animal Program.
The Floating Animal Keeper is trained to cover multiple different strings in the Section. Each string has a Supervising Primary, who is responsible for the daily management of the string and string’s staff. The Floating Keeper is expected to cover strings in the absence of a primary keeper or assist the primary keeper with the string duties and special projects as needed.
Work ranges from the physical tasks associated with feeding and maintenance of the animals’ living areas to more analytical tasks of planning, record keeping and communication. They are expected to develop the appropriate level of knowledge of the natural history and captive wildlife management to ensure the best possible physical and psychological well-being of the animals in their care. They are 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. They are expected to implement Department/Zoo priorities as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements. They are expected to guide and support junior staff and volunteers as appropriate. The Animal Keeper takes direction from Supervising Primary Keepers, and the Zoological Manager regarding daily operations as appropriate. They 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.

Education and Pre-requisites

1. A minimum of 2-year full time experience in the care of managed wildlife or related professional experience preferably in an AZA or GFAS facility
2. 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)
3. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
4. Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends and holidays.
5. Good written and verbal communications skills
6. 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. Ability to be flexible and learn to cover multiple strings.

Compensation and benefits

$20.42 – $25.11/hour, pay commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance; two weeks of vacation and eleven paid holidays annually.

Application instructions

Candidates not who do not meet minimum requirements will not receive a response. Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.

TO APPLY:
Submit resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references via email only to:
Genny Greene ggreene@oaklandzoo.org