Facility

Oakland Zoo

Closing Date

Description

An Animal Keeper is an experienced-level position responsible for the daily management of animals of a string(s) under the direction of a Supervising Primary. Animals in this section include, lions, tigers, giraffe, hyena, warthog, reptiles and a variety of bird species. 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. The Animal Keeper is 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 his/her care. The 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. S/he is expected to guide and support junior staff and volunteers as appropriate. The Animal Keeper takes direction from the Senior Keeper, Lead Keeper and/or the Zoological Manager 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. This position is for a Floating Keeper, this person is trained to cover two different animal strings in the Section. Each string has a Supervising Primary, who works five days per week on the string and 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(s) or assist the primary keeper with the string duties and special projects as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
1. Minimum of two years full time experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field
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); ability to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)
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, dangerous animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions

Education and Pre-requisites

EXPERIENCE AND QUALITIES PREFERRED
1. Working knowledge of large carnivores or other potentially dangerous animals, and/or large ungulates. Other experience preferred is with birds and reptiles.
2. Knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application
3. Ability to inspire guests in casual (e.g., one on one) and formal (i.e., programs) venues to take action for conservation
4. Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or a related field

Compensation and benefits

$20.00/hour, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance and 403B retirement benefits; two weeks of vacation and ten paid holidays annually.

Application instructions

Submit resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references via email only to:
Ann Marie Bisagno- Zoological Manager, abisagno@oaklandzoo.org

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