Float Animal Keeper, African Savanna and Rainforest

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

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. The Float Animal Keeper works across animal strings and has the opportunity to care for a variety of species: tiger, lion, dromedary camel, plains zebra, klipspringer, rock hyrax, agouti, and a large number of bird species (pied crow, hamerkop, white faced whistling duck, blue bellied roller, yellow billed stork, sacred ibis, hooded vulture, superb starling, speckled mousebird, taveta golden weaver, guira cuckoo, blue and gold macaw, military macaw).

This role will cover strings in the absence of the primary Animal Keeper(s) and will assist the primary keeper with duties and special projects as needed.

• 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

Minimum of 2 years full-time or 4160 hours experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility). This can include 1 year of unpaid experience. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays. 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:
Negative TB test within the last year;
Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years. Bonus if you have:
Code red or dangerous animal experience;
Experience with exotic ungulate species or old-world primates;
Experience working with birds in mixed species habitats;
Experience in breeding, geriatric care, or animal introductions with any of the taxa mentioned above;
Knowledge and experience in design and implementation of behavior-based enrichment for a variety of species;
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 or a specialized Associate s degree (e.g., Moorpark).

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The tentative start date for this position is between March 1 and 31, 2026.

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.

$28.45 - $29.08 per hour.

Applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter.

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: