Custodian

About the Position

Note: This is a part-time, seasonal position that is expected to work 20 - 28 hours/week starting on June 15 2026. It is expected to end of August 9 2026, with potential to extend depending on the needs of the organization. We are looking to hire 2 people for this position.

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Pay rate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay rate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $22.07 per hour, in alignment with Oakland Zoo’s compensation philosophy. An offer at this pay rate will be our best and final compensation offer.

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Position Summary

Custodians play a vital role in making the Zoo a pleasant and enjoyable place for our staff and guests by carefully maintaining the Zoo Grounds and Facilities. They provide thoughtful and responsive customer service to internal (i.e., co-workers) and external (vendors, park visitors, contractors, etc.) guests while tending to their assigned areas.

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Janitorial

Department

Manager:

Seasonal

Part-Time

$22.07 per hour

Application Deadline:

Benefits

Oakland Zoo offers part-time and seasonal employees a valuable benefits package, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Paid Sick Time, optional 403b Retirement Plan, and discounted Zoo Membership options. They also have access to various perks, discounts, and programs to enhance their overall experience.

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Essential Job Duties

Clean and maintain areas including restrooms, offices, and common spaces by wiping surfaces, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning windows, and restocking supplies.
Handle waste and supplies by emptying trash and recycling bins, breaking down boxes, safely using cleaning chemicals, and loading, unloading, and distributing materials as needed.
Support building operations by moving furniture, servicing high-traffic areas, responding quickly to special cleaning requests, and assisting with general utility work.
Maintain a safe working environment and report unsafe conditions to supervisor.
Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Who You Are

Able to safely operate powered equipment normally found in janitorial operations
Possesses a valid Driver's License with a clean driving record to obtain authorization from the Zoo’s Insurance provider
Able to work around members of the public
Able to follow cleaning schedules
Able read and follow label instructions on chemicals/cleaning materials, operating instructions on powered equipment and wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Able to work weekends and holidays

Bonus if you have...

Have 1 or more years of custodial experience
Possess knowledge of total hard floor care and carpet care
Have knowledge of general office maintenance

Work Environment

Work will be a mixture of indoor and outdoor environments and may involve traversing uneven terrain and working in various weather conditions.

Physical Abilities

Able to lift and carry objects weighing 50 pounds or more
Able to bend and twist, lift, stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for 8-hour shifts
Able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Required Education

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities

May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
Technological Aptitude – able to quickly understand, develop and maintain functional digital systems
Time Management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

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Who We Are

Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), The Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.

Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access

We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs and curriculum. Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.

The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, QAOV status, or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.
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Oakland Zoo participates in E-Verify to verify work authorization.