Floating Animal Keeper, African Savanna and Rain Forest

Aza•Oakland, CA

62d•$28•Onsite

About The Position

Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission is to deepen connection with animals, save wildlife, and inspire champions for the natural world. Floating Animal Keeper, African Savanna and Rain Forest 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. The Float Animal Keeper works across animal strings and has the opportunity to care for a variety of species: tiger, lion, dromedary camel, plains zebra, klipspringer, rock hyrax, agouti, and a large number of bird species (pied crow, hamerkop, white faced whistling duck, blue bellied roller, yellow billed stork, sacred ibis, hooded vulture, superb starling, speckled mousebird, taveta golden weaver, guira cuckoo, blue and gold macaw, military macaw. This role will cover strings in the absence of the primary Animal Keeper(s) and will assist the primary keeper with duties and special projects as needed.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years full-time or 4160 hours experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility). This can include 1 year of unpaid experience
Valid driver's license and clean driving record
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

Nice To Haves

Code red or dangerous animal experience
Large carnivore experience
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)

Responsibilities

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