Keeper A, B or C, Vet Hospital

Oakland Zoo•Oakland, CA

1d•$29 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Keeper, Vet Hospital supports the physical health and psychological well-being of animals at Oakland Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital. The role combines daily animal care—including feeding, enrichment, and maintaining safe, sanitary living areas—with planning, record-keeping, and communication with team members. The keeper also assists with training and mentoring volunteers and interns and may represent the Zoo in public settings such as press interviews, instructional classes, and conversations with Zoo guests. The position may be classified as Keeper A, B, or C according to experience. Minimum captive-wildlife care experience is one year for Keeper A, two years for Keeper B, and five years for Keeper C. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Applicants selected for candidacy must attend an on-site working interview.

Requirements

At least one year of full-time experience caring for captive wildlife in the zoo field for Keeper A; at least two years for Keeper B; at least five years for Keeper C. Experience at an AZA or GFAS facility is preferred.
Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record that meets the insurance carrier’s 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 and willingness to accept some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions.
Negative TB test within the past year.
Tetanus vaccination within the past 10 years.
Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and move at least 120 pounds.
Ability to walk long distances on uneven terrain and in variable conditions, including steep or muddy terrain.
Effective, respectful verbal and written communication with stakeholders across identities.
Dependability and reliability, including when working with little or no direct supervision.
Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to build or maintain efficient systems.
Ability to prioritize multiple commitments effectively.
Commitment to Oakland Zoo’s mission, PRIDE values, conservation, and animal welfare.

Nice To Haves

Code Red or dangerous-animal experience.
Knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application.
Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or a related field, or a specialized associate degree such as Moorpark.

Responsibilities

Provide daily care for animals in the Veterinary Hospital, including feeding and maintaining safe, sanitary conditions for animals and facilities.
Evaluate animals’ physical and psychosocial health and assist in designing and implementing steps to address their needs.
Provide ongoing, appropriate enrichment for each species and individual animal.
Conduct regularly scheduled operant-conditioning training sessions to meet established goals.
Handle animals using appropriate manual and physical restraint techniques.
Participate as a fully trained member of the California Condor Handling Team.
Develop and maintain appropriate records.
Participate in animal medical procedures, including postmortem examinations.
Support the veterinary team with non-husbandry tasks, including laundry, package pickup, prescription delivery, selected veterinary-assistant tasks, data entry, and medication administration.
Implement department and Zoo priorities by leading short-term projects as part of paraclinical duties.
Represent the Zoo in public settings, including press interviews, instructional classes, and conversations with Zoo guests.
Assist in training and mentoring volunteers and interns.
Perform other duties as assigned.