Temporary Keeper, Hospital

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement

*This is a temporary position, anticipated to last until September 30, 2026. Extension is possible but not guaranteed.*

Payrate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the payrate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $27.81 per hour. An offer at this payrate will be our best and final compensation offer.

Applications are due by November 7, 2025.

The Temporary Hospital Keeper plays an integral role in maintaining the physical health and psychological well-being of the animals at Oakland Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital. Daily work includes the physical tasks associated with feeding, enrichment, and maintenance of the animals’ living areas, and analytical tasks of planning record-keeping and communication with team members. The Hospital keeper trains, guides and supervises volunteers and interns and may be expected to represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including instructional classes and casual communication with Zoo guests.

Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership. 

• As needed care of animals in Oakland Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital, including feeding, maintenance of safe and sanitary conditions for animals and facilities
• Provide dependable coverage and support for full-time staff
• Provide physical and psycho-social health evaluation of animals
• Provide an ongoing program of appropriate enrichment for each species and individual animal
• Develop and/or maintain appropriate string, department and Zoo records
• Willingness and ability to participate in animal medical procedures including postmortem
• Support veterinary team with non-husbandry tasks including laundry, package pickup, prescription delivery, veterinary assisting on procedures and for patients including medication administration
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

• Minimum of 1 year experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (unpaid experience acceptable) 

• Have a flexible schedule with ability to work weekends and holidays 

• Knowledgeable about the habits and hazards of working with wild, dangerous animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions 

• Knowledge and experience in behavioral modification programs including animal training and enrichment 

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record 

• Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends and holidays 

• Medical requirements:  

• Negative TB test within the last year 

• Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years 

• Proof of prior measles vaccination 

Bonus if you have  

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or a related field. 

• Experience operating heavy equipment such as Bobcat, excavator, backhoe, and/or lift 

•  Experience with general tool use (drill, saw, etc) 

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• 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  
• 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
• 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  

Physical Considerations

• 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 traverse long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)