Primary Senior Keeper- Children's Zoo

Oakland Zoo

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 Knoeland Park. Our mission is to deepen connections with animals, save wildlife, and inspire champions for the natural world.

A Senior Animal Keeper must be an experienced keeper with extensive knowledge in the areas of animal care/management and supervision of paid staff and unpaid volunteers/interns, including team building, leadership training, and conflict management. This Senior Keeper position is a Primary Keeper role with the Oakland Zoo’s Children’s Zoo. Animals in this diverse section include lemurs, bats, otters, goats, sheep, cats, pigs, and rabbits.

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.

• 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
• Act as a department leader. Can be expected to cover department functions and emergency response coordination in the absence of Zoological Manager or Department Vice President

Minimum of five years full time experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility).Bachelor’s degree or specialized associate's degree (ex. Moorpark) or 6 years of experience at an AZA facility or equivalent

Experience in the areas of animal care/management

Experience with supervision of paid staff and unpaid volunteers/interns, including leadership training/conflict management

Have or develop significant level of knowledge of the natural history and captive wildlife management for the animals under their care to insure their best possible physical and psychological well-being

Able to use the tools of animal observation, enrichment, training, and other behavioral husbandry methods to ensure the best possible psychological well-being of the animals in their care Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends and holidays

Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wild animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions

Able to represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes, and casual communication with Zoo guests

Medical requirements:

Negative TB test within the last year Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years

Bonus if you have…Significant 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

Experience mentoring and teaching novice staff, interns, or volunteers

Strong interpersonal skills necessary to support communication across a diversely skilled team

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement.

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.

$31.33 per hour

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• Candidates not meeting minimum requirements may not receive a response
• Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview

Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd
Oakland, CA 94605
Phone: