Facility
Oakland Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
A Primary Animal Keeper is a Senior/Lead level position, responsible for the daily management of the string animals (reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates) and life support systems including water quality, and the string staff that includes relief, floating, and apprentice keepers. A Senior Animal Keeper must be an experienced keeper in the field with experience in the areas of animal care/management, management of paid staff and unpaid volunteers/interns, along with leadership training/conflict management. 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 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. 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 Director 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 Director. Other string duties and special projects can be assigned as needed.
Education and Pre-requisites
Job Requirements
1.At least three years full time experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field
2.Experience in a leadership and/or management role both with paid staff and unpaid volunteers/interns
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.Extensive knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application
3.Experience with reptiles, amphibians, and/or invertebrates
4.Experience with life support systems including water quality
5.Experience with live fire arms or darting equipment
6.Experience coordinating emergency response procedures
Compensation and benefits
Starting salary is $19.44, though salary can vary depending on experience. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance and 403B retirement benefits. Two weeks’ vacation for the first five years and ten paid holidays.
Application instructions
CLOSING DATE: APRIL 4TH, 2016. We apologize, but due to the competitive nature of this posting, minimum requirements may be raised and only those applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
TO APPLY:
Email resume, cover letter and 3 work references, including one from a supervisor to Margaret Rousser, Zoological Manager
Email: Margaret@oaklandzoo.org