Temporary Animal Keeper

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement

Please note: This is a temporary position, anticipated to end December 31, 2025. Must be available for flexible shifts ranging from 6 to 8 hours. Hours may vary weekly and shifts may occur outside of regular business hours, including weekends and holidays, and hours are not guaranteed each week.

Pay Rate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay rate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $26.41 per hour. An offer at this pay rate will be our best and final compensation offer.

Application Process:

• Applicants must submit a resume, and 3 professional references (at least 1 supervisor).
• Candidates not meeting minimum requirements may not receive a response.  
• Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.

Position Summary

Temporary Animal Keeper, CA Trail (Floating) works across two animal strings and has the opportunity to care for a variety of species: jaguars, bison, grizzly & black bear, CA condor, bald eagle, gray wolves, and mountain lion.  Temporary 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 take direction from the Senior Keeper, Lead Keeper and/or the Zoological Manager regarding daily operations as appropriate.  This role will cover strings in the absence of the primary keeper(s) or assist the primary keeper(s) with duties and special projects as needed as well as commissary duties.

California Trail is the latest expansion to the Oakland Zoo and is focused on species that are native, or once were, to California.  CA Trail is key in the zoo’s goal to inspire people to connect with our state’s remarkable biodiversity and how to live with wildlife so we can protect their futures.  Some of the exciting things happening with conservation in this section include partnering with the Blackfeet Nation to release bison back on the landscape, and assisting in the rearing of rescued, non-releasable, mountain lion kittens.

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• 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
• 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

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• Minimum of 6 –12 months (minimum of 1040 to 2080 working hours) of captive wildlife care experience at an AZA facility or its equivalent (GFAS, WAZA).
• 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, climbing, heat, rain, etc.)
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends, holidays, and extended daily hours
• Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wild, dangerous animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions
• Must be available for flexible shifts ranging from 6 to 8 hours. Hours may vary weekly and shifts may occur outside of regular business hours, including weekends and holidays, and hours are not guaranteed each week

Bonus if you have:

• Prior experience as an employee, intern, or volunteer on Oakland Zoo's ACCR Team
• Working knowledge of species in the area where you will be working
• 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

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 walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, climbing, heat, rain, etc.)

• 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

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