Facility

Oakland Zoo

Closing Date

Description

Senior/Lead Hospital Animal Keeper position in our Animal Hospital responsible for daily management and care of hospitalized animals including those that are sick, injured, under quarantine, as well as part of our wildlife rescue program.

In addition to routine care will be responsible for and/or assist with medications, treatments, catch ups, restraint, and assisting medical staff with procedures as needed.

S/he will be leading/supervising additional Hospital keeper staff including relief keepers, apprentice keepers, interns, volunteers, and behavioral observers. A Senior/Lead Hospital Keeper position requires excellent animal management, time management, teamwork, and staff/volunteer supervision skills. Work ranges from the physical tasks associated with feeding, enrichment, and maintenance of the animals’ living areas to more analytical tasks of planning, record keeping and communication.

The Senior/Lead Hospital Keeper is expected to have a strong knowledge of a broad range of animal taxa natural history and captive wildlife management. S/he should have solid problem-solving skills, the ability to research information and collaborate with others as needed. S/he should understand the importance of psychological, as well as physical well -being and be fluent in behavioral management. The Senior/Lead Hospital 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, which may include departmental administrative tasks. S/he is expected to guide and support junior staff and volunteers as appropriate.

The Senior/Lead Hospital Animal Keeper takes direction from the Zoological Manager and has a direct report to the VP of Veterinary Service 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 and Hospital guests. The Senior/Lead Hospital 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 VP of Vet Services.

Senior/Lead Hospital Keeper must have the ability to be flexible, able to stay on top of communication, working independently and with the Vet Services team to provide the highest level of welfare for the animals under their care.

Primary Responsibilities
1.Hospital and Quarantine Keeper
2.Veterinary Assistant
3.Facilities Manager for Hospital

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. At least 3 years full time experience in the care of wild animals in the zoo field.
2. Experience in a leadership and/or management role both with paid staff and unpaid volunteers/interns
3. Extensive knowledge and experience in behavioral training (operant conditioning emphasizing positive reinforcement) theory and practical application.
4. Good physical condition; able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e. feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs.(i.e. hay bale); ability to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc)
5. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
6. Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends and holidays
7. Good written and verbal communications skills
8. 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 a broad array of species including carnivores, hoofstock, birds, reptiles, primates, and amphibians.
2. Ability to inspire guests in casual (e.g., one on one) and formal (i.e., programs) venues to take action for conservation
3. Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or a related field
4. Experience with live firearms, darting equipment, and other emergency response equipment
Experience coordinating emergency response procedures
5. Veterinary assistant experience including restraint for medical procedures, administering medications, and assisting registered veterinary technicians.

Compensation and benefits

$21.50-25 /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

Candidates not meeting 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: aherman@oaklandzoo.org