Animal Care Lead Keeper-Wildlife Connections

Aza • Palm Desert, CA

66d • $26 • Onsite

About The Position

As an Animal Care Lead Keeper, you'll take a hands-on leadership role ensuring the highest standards of animal care, husbandry, and behavioral management for our remarkable desert animal ambassadors. You'll mentor keepers, support daily operations, and collaborate closely with the Curator and Assistant Curator to deliver excellence in animal care and guest engagement.

This is more than a job - it's an opportunity to lead, teach, inspire, and grow in a team dedicated to connecting people with wildlife and driving meaningful conservation impact.

Requirements

• Minimum two years of animal care experience or equivalent in a zoological setting.
• A motivated leader with strong animal husbandry and behavioral management knowledge.
• Excellent communicator and mentor with a collaborative, team-first mindset.
• A proactive problem solver with exceptional organization and critical thinking skills.
• Passionate about conservation, education, and providing outstanding guest experiences.
• AA, AS or higher degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree and at least one year of exotic animal experience preferred.
• Will substitute training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities. Generally, one year of full time exotic animal experience will translate to one year of college.
• Valid California driver license.
• Must be insurable on The Living Desert's automobile policy.
• Covid vaccination plus one booster required.
• Annual TB test with negative reading required.
• ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS: Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting up to 50lbs.
• TYPICALWORKING CONDITIONS: Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, and dust/airborne materials.
• Work with potentially dangerous animals (i.e. large ungulates, carnivores, venomous animals).
• HOLIDAY WORK: Holiday and weekend work required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor degree preferred.
• Experience with animal training and public presentations a plus.
• TRAVEL: Occasional conference and workshop attendance available, if funding available. Some or all expenses paid.

Responsibilities

• Provide world-class care, enrichment, and behavioral training for desert species.
• Mentor and train Animal Care Keepers while ensuring top-notch animal welfare practices.
• Support the Curator and Assistant Curator in implementing innovative management strategies.
• Maintain compliance with all AZA and USDA standards and procedures.
• Act as a bridge between leadership and keeper staff, promoting collaboration and open communication.
• Deliver uncompromising excellence in animal care, well-being, and guest experiences.
• Lead and participate in projects that enhance animal care, programs, and facilities.
• Serve as a role model for safety, professionalism, and positivity within the Animal Care team.

Benefits

• Starting pay: $25.99/hour (non-exempt), with opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Work from a brand-new $10 million office complex within a stunning 80-acre desert oasis campus, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Coachella Valley - with easy access to mountains, ocean, lakes, and vibrant city life.
• Lead groundbreaking projects that revolutionize animal care, habitat design, and conservation efforts.
• Receive competitive compensation and a medical/dental/vision benefits package fully paid for by the zoo.
• Enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and family membership to the zoo.
• Receive a yearly stipend for work footwear and up to a $35 reimbursement towards a professional affiliation of your choice.
• Be part of an inclusive, innovative culture shaping the future of modern zoos.
• Experience unique, hands-on opportunities to work with and learn from incredible animals and team members.
• Make a real and lasting impact on global wildlife conservation efforts through participation in our Agents of Conservation program, where team members can engage directly in species-saving projects.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees