Limited : Animal Keeper - Condors

Overview

This is a limited duration position 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 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.

Limited Duration Animal Keeper – Condors

• Provides daily care for condors, including feeding, cleaning, monitoring health and behavior, and maintaining species-appropriate social and environmental conditions.
• Applies knowledge of the 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; 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; communicates observations with management; administers medications as prescribed; collaborates with veterinary staff and follows treatment plans, 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.
• Contributes to a positive team atmosphere in a close, team-oriented environment.
• Passion for animal care and conservation.

Metro strives to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all work. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals who reflect the diversity of our community. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability (with reasonable accommodation), or any other status protected by law.

To qualify

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

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related fields, and/or
• 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 duties and responsibilities.

Required

• Valid driver’s license

Additional Requirements

Additional medical testing and/or immunizations may be required as duties may require close contact with animal areas where animals may be present.

Special eligibility notes

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

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