Facility
Oakland Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
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 for Float Keeper in the Children’s Zoo which includes, goats, sheep, cats, pigs, rabbits, lemurs, otters, bats, alligators, tortoises, reptile building, invertebrate building, commissary, and night keeper. 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.
This position is for a Floating Keeper, this person 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 the primary keeper or assist the primary keeper with the string duties and special projects as needed. This position includes covering or assisting with both the Commissary Keepers and Night Keepers. The Commissary duties include prepping diets for most of the zoo’s animals, delivering diets, updating diet records, procuring supplies, cleaning, and maintaining the commissary. The Night Keeper duties include prepping diets and assisting the commissary, feeding and shifting animals after the day shift leaves including elephants and giraffes, general zoo security, and observations. The Night Keeper typically works alone in their duties. Other string duties and special projects can be assigned as needed.
Job Requirements
1. A minimum of 1 year full time experience in the care of managed wildlife or related professional experience ideally at a zoological 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
Education and Pre-requisites
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
$23.13 – $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:
Adam Fink, Zoological Manager: adam@oaklandzoo.org