Limited : Animal Keeper - Condors

Overview

This is a limited duration position and is expected to conclude 12/31/2028 but could end earlier based on business needs.

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Oregon Zoo is looking for a Limited Duration Animal Keeper who specializes in the care of California Condors. This position is responsible for daily husbandry tasks as well as other essential duties that support the health, welfare, and enrichment of the animals in our care.

• Provides daily care for condors, including feeding, cleaning, monitoring health and behavior, and maintaining species-appropriate social and environmental conditions.
• Applies knowledge of species’ natural history and current care standards to support feeding strategies, breeding and rearing practices, and social management.
• Maintains and disinfects animal habitats and keeper areas; checks enclosures, tools, and equipment for safety and functionality, and reports or initiates repairs as needed.
• Prepares and distributes prescribed diets in a safe and species-appropriate manner, including for mixed-species exhibits; monitors food intake and recommends dietary adjustments.
• Observes animals for signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behavior and communicates observations with management team; administers medications as prescribed; collaborates with veterinary staff and follows treatment plans and care instructions, including occasional hand-rearing or artificial incubation as needed.
• Maintains detailed records on health, behavior, diet, reproduction, inventory, and other metrics; assists with animal capture, restraint, transfers, and medical procedures.
• Engages with the public through keeper chats, tours, and educational presentations; contributes to conservation messaging and provides accurate animal information to staff and visitors.
• Responds to emergencies, participates in safety drills and protocols, and uses appropriate equipment to maintain a secure and safe environment for animals, staff, and guests.
• Collaborates with zoo staff across departments, contributes to a positive team culture, attends meetings, and participates in professional development, research, and conservation programs.

• Knowledge of animal husbandry practices for species under care.
• Comfort and experience working with exotic and potentially dangerous animals in a safety-oriented work environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Contribute to a positive team atmosphere and contribute in a close, team-oriented environment.
• Passion for animal care and conservation.

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related fields in relevant taxa
• Three years of professional animal keeper experience working with condors; or
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

• Valid driver’s license

Additional medical testing and/or immunizations (not already stated in this announcement) may be required as the duties of this position may require close contact with animal areas and enclosures…