Senior Animal Keeper; Float

Overview

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The Final date to receive applications is February 5, 2026.

We are hiring a Float Keeper at either the Keeper or Senior Keeper level, depending upon experience. You will be automatically considered for both.

Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. We are particularly interested in learning about candidates' experience working with primates and great apes. Candidates not meeting minimum requirements may not receive a response. Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.

To maintain internal equity, we have identified the payrate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $31.33 - $32.50 per hour. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer.

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 float working across animal strings and has the opportunity to care for a variety of species: baboons, gibbons, squirrel monkeys, chimps, amazon parrots, pudu, cotton top tamarins, siamang, sun bears, flamingos, hadada ibis, spoonbills, wallaroo, wallabies and emu.

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
• 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 and can be expected to cover department functions and emergency response coordination in the absence of the 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 (e.g., 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 ensure 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

• Code red or dangerous animal experience
• 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…