Primary Keeper C, Senior Keeper A or B, African Savanna and Rainforest

Job Type
Full-time

Description

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The application deadline is October 5 2026.

Application Process

- Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should be one page and include a general overview of animal experience and why they are interested in this role.
- Candidates not meeting minimum requirements may not receive a response.
- Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.

Payrate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay range for this position at the Oakland Zoo to be between $29.08 to $31.92 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, in alignment with Oakland Zoo's compensation philosophy.

Position Summary
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. This position is responsible for the daily management of giraffes and warthogs. They work with the same group of animals 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. They are expected to provide clean and safe conditions for the animal’s living spaces as well as implement enrichment and training to meet the holistic welfare needs of the animals. Additionally, they assist the Supervising Primary Keeper in mentoring interns, and volunteers.

Essential Job Duties

- 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 by managers

Who You Are

- Minimum of 5 years full time experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility).
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and ability to meet insurance carrier requirements.
- 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, measles vaccine

Bonus if you have...

- Experience with giraffe, warthog, or other exotic ungulate husbandry, including protected-contact management, animal shifting, introductions, and social management.
- Experience with positive reinforcement training and cooperative care, particularly with ungulates or other large mammals.
- Knowledge of behavioral husbandry and enrichment, including assessing outcomes and modifying programs based on individual animal behavior and welfare.
- Experience working collaboratively with colleagues, mangers, veterinary, nutrition, behavioral husbandry, and facilities teams to solve complex animal-care and welfare challenges.
- 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 (ex: Moorpark), or other specialized certification

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

- Work in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions, sometimes in or around significant dirt and dust

Physical Considerations - The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

- Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e., feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e., hay bale)
- Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

- Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
- Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
- Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
- Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
- Time management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
- Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
- Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
- Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

Benefits

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 Zoo Membership options.

Salary Description
$28.45 to $31.92 per hour