Keeper Aide

About the Position

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement

Pay rate: $21.97 per hour. This is a temporary position expected to last until 9/30/2025.

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Keeper Aides get valuable experience in this entry-level position in the Animal Care, Conservation & Research (ACCR) department at Oakland Zoo. The position provides support for animal keepers in their daily work and projects. This position provides support for animal keepers in their daily work and projects. Primary duties for this position are assisting the CA Trail keepers with the daily care of a variety of species: Jaguar, Bison, Grizzly/Black Bear, Condor, Bald Eagle, Gray Wolf, and Mountain Lion, particularly with cleaning exhibits and night houses, maintaining animal exhibits, and preparing animal diets.

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Animal Care, Conservation & Research

Department

Manager:

Temporary

Part-Time

$21.97 per hour

Application Deadline:

Application Deadline: December 14

Benefits

Apply

Essential Job Duties

Cleaning animal exhibits and night houses
Maintaining animal exhibits
Preparing animal diets
General projects - sweeping, raking, shoveling, hosing, scrubbing, moving heavy objects, using a wheelbarrow, climbing a ladder, weeding, pruning, and/or using knives and other tools
Perform other related duties as required and assigned

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Who You Are

Excellent guest service communication skills and attitude
Able to follow instructions and carry out responsibilities safely to avoid injury to themselves, other employees, visitors, and animals.
Able to work independently, thoroughly completing duties within specified periods of time.
Able to work primarily outdoors work so must be able to work in all weather conditions, steep hillsides, muddy/slippery conditions, and some ladders/other climbing.
Able to lift up to 50 lbs., pull/push 120 lbs., walk on uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces, work in various weather conditions, climb ladders and otherwise work at heights, be on your feet for most of the day, crouch down, and reach above their head.
Willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions

Work schedule may vary: limited as needed basis
The Oakland Zoo requires up to date COVID vaccine, tetanus, and negative TB test*

Bonus If You Have

Some experience working around animals in a zoo or rehab setting
Comfort working around people and working within a team
Experience with the safe use of power tools (drills, weed whackers, etc.)

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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
Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued
Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
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

The 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: Oakland Zoo deepens connection with animals, saves wildlife, and inspires champions for the natural world. 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. The 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.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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 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.