VHE Animal Keeper - Africa

Oregon Metro•Oregon Zoo, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This recruitment will close at 11:59 PM on October 6th, 2026, or once 100 applications have been received, whichever occurs first. Qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure consideration. Join the Oregon Zoo as a Variable Hour Animal Keeper and help care for an incredible collection of African wildlife, from carnivores and small mammals to iconic large herbivores such as giraffes and rhinos. In this role, you will support the daily care, enrichment, training, and welfare of diverse species while contributing to conservation efforts and exceptional guest experiences. Working alongside a dedicated animal care team, you'll play a key role in maintaining high standards of husbandry and promoting the health and well-being of animals that represent some of Africa's most remarkable ecosystems. This is an exciting opportunity for motivated individuals who are passionate about animal care, conservation, and making a meaningful impact every day.

Requirements

Knowledge of species’ natural history and current industry care standards, including feeding strategies, introduction methods, breeding and rearing practices, social management, training practices and strategies and engaging enrichment.
Ability to identify and assess normal and abnormal behaviors, including reproductive behavior, eating habits, group aggression issues, and health problems.
Skilled in using animal training and conditioning techniques to facilitate participation and cooperation with medical procedures.
Knowledge of safety protocols, including appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), lockouts/tagouts, signage, baffle boards and other capture equipment, hot wire, CO2 canisters and fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and other emergency response tools.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with team members, supervisors and the public.
Strong teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and contribute to a positive team atmosphere in a close, team-oriented environment as well as work independently.
Experience in maintaining accurate records on animal health, behavior, diet, inventory and conservation data for reports and research.
Bachelor degree in animal science, biology, zoology or related field, AND Three years professional animal keeper experience working with a variety of African species, including large carnivores and ungulates OR Any combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for the position.
Possession of a valid Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a team environment.
Experience working with and around large potentially dangerous animals.
Experience performing strenuous tasks in adverse weather conditions.
Experience operating heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

Perform daily husbandry and specialized animal care responsibilities for a diverse collection of African species, including Potentially Deadly Animals (PDAs) such as lions, African painted dogs, and rhinos.
Consistently apply safe, effective, and professional animal management practices while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, staff safety, and operational excellence.
Coordinate, oversee and perform upkeep, cleaning, and disinfecting animal areas, keeper areas and related facilities.
Conduct daily perimeter checks and maintain the security and safety of animal areas, initiating corrections for any deficiencies or safety concerns.
Oversee and perform feeding duties, including preparing prescribed species-appropriate diets, and make precise reports on food consumption and recommendation on diet modifications as needed.
Administer prescribed medications, observe animals for responses and communicate findings with veterinarian and supervisor.
Design, develop, and implement enrichment programs tailored to species' natural biology and individual animal needs. This includes brainstorming and researching, presentation and obtaining approvals, fabrication and formulations, and tests and observations to continually assess effectiveness of enhancing animal welfare.
Assist in developing and updating animal care plans, protocols and procedures.
Assist with the capture, restraint or segregation of animals for medical treatment, research or transfer.
Mentor adult and teenage volunteers, interns, and students.
Safely conduct informative and professional tours through area of responsibility.
Develop, present and assist others in educational messaging to the public through keeper chats and animal encounters.