Primary Animal Keeper - Children's Zoo

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement

Application Process: Resumes accepted until October 21, 2025..

• Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references
• Candidates not meeting minimum requirements may not receive a response.
• Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.

Payrate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the payrate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $27.78 per hour. An offer at this payrate will be our best and final compensation offer.

Animal Keepers play a vital role on the ACCR team, taking care of the physical health and psychological well-being of the animals directly under their care. Animals in this diverse section include lemurs, bats, otters, goats, sheep, cats, pigs, and rabbits. Work ranges from the physical tasks associated with feeding and maintenance of living areas to more analytical tasks of planning, record keeping, and communication. Animal Keepers are expected to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the natural history of the species to support them in providing appropriate care for our animals and direction from the Senior Keeper, Lead Keeper and/or the Zoological Manager regarding daily operations as appropriate.

This position is for a Primary Keeper. They work with the same group of animals (string) 5 days a week. They work closely with the string’s Supervising Primary Keeper and support them as needed in the daily operation and needs of the string’s animals and facilities. They are expected to provide clean and safe conditions for the animal’s living spaces as well as implement enrichment and training to meet the holistic welfare needs of the animals. Additionally, they assist the Supervising Primary Keeper managing keeper aides, interns, and volunteers.

The 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.

• 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
• Conduct ongoing assessment of their physical and psycho-social needs
• Design and implement steps to address these needs
• Implement Department/Zoo priorities as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements
• Interact with the public
• Guide and support junior staff and volunteers as appropriate
• Represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes and casual communication with Zoo guests
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

• Minimum of two years full time or 4160 hours experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility).
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends, holidays, and nights
• Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wild, dangerous animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions
• Medical requirements:
  • COVID vaccination-required by Oakland Zoo
  • Negative TB test within the last year
  • Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years

• Bonus if you have:  
  • Knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application
  • Ability to inspire guests in casual (e.g., one on one) and formal (i.e., programs) venues to take action for conservation
  • Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or a related field

• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
• 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.
• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
• Time management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
• 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

Physical Considerations- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e., feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e., hay bale)
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e. feed sack) and move a minimum of 120lbs. (i.e. hay bale)
• Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)